Amy's Glasto tussle

And Jay-Z replies to Noel Gallagher at start of headline set

29 June 2008 - Amy Winehouse threw a punch at a fan during her Glastonbury set. 

The singer had jumped off the stage so she could be nearer the crowd for her finale of Rehab, but when a punter tried to grab her hair - she lashed out.

Michael Eavis defends Amy

Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis reckons it's fair enough, although his version of events is slightly different to what actually happened.

He said: "Somebody put their hand on her boob didnt they? I don't blame her, come on!"

Eavis then went on to applaud the singer's performance: "But the triumph of her show, there must have been 100,000 people in there watching Amy."

"I don't blame her, come on! " - Michael Eavis

Amy Winehouse also made some rude comments about Kanye West whilst onstage, but urged the crowd to support Jay-Z, who was headlining.

Jay-Z had been a controversial choice to some as a headline act, and Noel Gallagher famously made negative comments when the rapper was originally announced as Saturday night headliner:

He said: "If it ain't broke don't fix it. If you start to break it then people aren't going to go. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance.

"Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."

Jay-Z's surprise opener

Jay-Z's response was to come on stage to a recording of those comments by the Oasis singer and guitarist, before launching into a full version of their hit Wonderwall.

Fans were divided on the performance as a whole, one said: "It was fantastic, quite right that he should be here... absolutely brilliant." 

However, others seemed disappointed at the lack of special guests. "It was a bit of a wind up that he was billed as having special guests, when there weren't any," said one punter. "We were looking for Beyonce."


Ruth Barnes

Eavis Declares Triumph

Organiser reflects on Glasto highlights

29 June 08 - Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis spoke to the BBC this morning about the trials and tribulations of this year's Glastonbury. 38 years after he founded the festival, Eavis declared this to be the best ever Glastonbury.

He firmly believed that the event had triumphed in the face of slower ticket sales and critics who were sceptical about the line up.

He said this year's event had laid a strong foundation to build on in future years:

"We're in the safety zone now. There was a danger of losing it last year with all the mud. Then the media didn't think we had great headlines this year but we proved them wrong. The headliners have been absolutely brilliant. I mean, I'd say we had double headliners last night."

Jay Z triumph

Eavis was especially pleased with Jay Z's performance and said he was glad the rapper proved the sceptics wrong:

"It's quite an unusual thing to do, to bring hip hop music from the streets of New York to Glastonbury. And for it to be really successful - it's a real triumph."

But would the festival organisers risk it again next year?

"I'm not saying that,” Eavis said, then added:

“We've done it now and we pulled it off. Especially with all the doom and gloom about what it was going to be like and us not selling tickets."

Tickets sell out

He then confirmed that the final few tickets for the event had shifted:

"We sold out on Thursday night by the way. We sold out completely. I’ll admit it was a struggle getting there, but we did, which is great."

"It's quite an unusual thing to do, to bring hip hop music from the streets of New York to Glastonbury. And for it to be really successful - it's a real triumph." Michael Eavis

But whilst Glastonbury might be just out of the danger zone, they still have an ongoing tug of war with commercial competitors:

“We're in a much stronger position now and the headliners will actually want to come back. The problem is we can't pay them millions. The big commercial festivals can pay three or four million and we can only pay them about 200 000.

“It’s a very delicate balance between the commercial pressures for the headline acts. Why should they work for me for £200 000 when they can get £3 or £4 million from the commercial events? It’s a very difficult decision.”

Eavis said he hopes that Glastonbury’s reputation and ethos would keep attracting the big names:

“The only reason they should do it is because it’s good for them with their record sales, good for their image, good for us and the charities we support.”

Amy defended

He also defended Amy Winehouse despite the fact that she appeared to lash out at a fan for touching her boob during her performance last night.

"She was absolutely brilliant and I think she became a superstar last night I really do."

He was adamant that her performance was solid and even let slip that she had asked him if she could headline the event next year:

"You know what she asked me at the end of that show? She said can I headline next year Michael? I don't know whether her manager would approve of that request but she said wasn't that brilliant, can I headline next year?"

Too middle aged

And when he was asked whether there would definitely be a Glastonbury next year, he felt certain there would be:

"Oh yes, there'll be one next year no fear. We've got two more to do after this one and then we'll have a year off."

Glastonbury has faced criticism in the past both for being too middle aged and then for not being middle aged enough. Michael said he didn't want to alienate any age group:

"I don't want to trail over that ground about us not wanting middle aged people. Look at my age and we've got loads of people over 40. It's a bit like a Sunday school at church, you need youngsters coming into it or you all grow old together. This year we've certainly got the youngsters.”

Meanwhile this year’s Glastonbury stats speak for themselves:

The capacity of the crowd was 170 000 in total.

There were 336 arrests - up on last year's 160.

And a whopping 2200 treatments at medic centres.


Elizabeth Alker

Amy's Glasto Tussle

As Jay Z is triumphant

29 June 2008 - Amy Winehouse threw a punch at a fan at last night's Glastonbury festival. 

The singer had jumped off the stage so she could be nearer the crowd for her finale of Rehab, but when a punter tried to grab her hair - she lashed out.

Michael Eavis defends Amy

Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis reckons it's fair enough, although his version of events is slightly different to what actually happened:

"Somebody put their hand on her boob didnt they? I don't blame her, come on!"

Eavis then went on to applaud the singer's performance:

"But the triumph of her show, there must have been a hundred thousand people in there watching Amy."

I don't blame her, come on! - Michael Eavis

Amy Winehouse also made some rude comments about Kanye West whilst onstage, but urged the crowd to support Jay Z, who was headlining.

Jay Z had been a controversial choice to some as a headline act, Noel Gallagher famously made the following comments when the rapper was originally announced as Saturday night headliner:

"If it ain't broke don't fix it. If you start to break it then people aren't going to go. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance.

"Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."

Jay Z's surprise opener

Jay Z's response was to come onstage to a recording of those comments by the Oasis singer and guitarist, before launching into a full version of their hit Wonderwall.

Fans were divided on the performance as a whole, one said:

"It was fantastic, quite right that he should be here... absolutely brilliant."

Whereas others seemed disappointed at the lack of 'special guests':

"It was a bit of a wind up that he was billed as having special guests, when there weren't any. We were looking for Beyonce."


Ruth Barnes

Glasto: Day 2

Guy Garvey and Richard Hawley to duet on Glasto Other stage

28 June 2008 - After years of rain, the second day of Glastonbury has been warm and sunny for the 180,000 people at the festival. And the mud at Worthy Farm started to dry up.

Although much of the focus has been on Amy Winehouse and Jay-Z, the Other Stage is likely to prove a major draw for those who aren't tempted by the Pyramid stage.

Elbow's Guy Garvey has been on site since Thursday (26 June) and he told 6 Music about the plan for their set, which follows Duffy.

Asked about rumours of a guest appearance, he said: "Was the little birdy a rockabilly from Sheffield? Yeah, Rich Hawley's joining us on stage and also we've got a load of strings - people who are playing with artists all over the festival are coming just for the craic to join us for one of the songs as well."

"Was the little birdy a rockabilly from Sheffield?"
Guy Garvey

Hawley sang on The Fix on Elbow's current album, The Seldom Seen Kid .

"Respect"

Massive Attack headline the Other Stage and they are set to play plenty of unfamilar material having aired eight new songs at the Meltdown festival.

Asked about the set list, Robert "3D" Del Naja said: "I like going to see bands play new stuff, but I also know that when I go and see bands I want to hear certain things.

"People have come there and they are waiting for you, they have gathered and you've got to pay them respect for that. And respect often means doing things that make them happy, but at the same time you've got to test yourself as well."

Claudette

Meanwhile, The Raconteurs got a massive crowd when they played the Pyramid Stage. And Jack White dedicated the song Top Yourself to his guitar Claudette.

Shakin' Stevens kicked off proceedings on the Pyramid stage and made some bold claims for his set.

"When I came off I was told it was the biggest crowd and reaction they've had on the Pyramid stage as an opening artist, so for that I'm very, very pleased," he said. His 1981 single This Ole House got the biggest response from the audience.

Martha Wainwright was joined by beatboxer Shlomo, and blues man Seasick Steve proved an entertaining character on the Pyramid stage, as he swigged from a bottle of Jack Daniels during his set.

Crowded House serenaded the security and managed to persuade one of them to turn and face them, and singer Neil Finn referred to one of the security staff - number 110 - when he changed the lyrics to Don't Dream It's Over.


Andre Paine

Kings of Glasto

And Pete Doherty plays strong solo set on the Park stage

28 June 2008 - Kings Of Leon proved themselves worthy of the Glastonbury headline slot on Friday night with a strong performance on the Pyramid stage.

The US band were even bold enough to play some new material at the beginning, opening with the new tune Crawl and airing the song Manhattan. And their extensive set featured hits including The Bucket and On Call which prompted singalongs.

Caleb Followill thanked the fans for their support and pointed out that Glastonbury was their first festival in 2003.

The band also told 6 Music they ditched a plan to depart in a showbiz fashion for their next gig in Switzerland.

"We were thinking about a helicopter but we had a feeling the weather would be bad and we'd rather live to see another day," said Nathan Followill.

Kings Of Leon's new album Only By The Night is out on 22 September.

"We were thinking about a helicopter."
Nathan Followill

On the Park Stage, Pete Doherty restored his reputation with a strong solo acoustic performance - although he admitted he thought he was supposed to play on Saturday.

Doherty also dedicated Albion to his bandmates in Babyshambles - and his ex-bandmate in The Libertines, Carl Barat. And he picked up a can that was thrown on stage and drank from it.

He played following Franz Ferdinand's late addition to the Park Stage line-up. The played four new songs and the band told us when they signed up to the festival.

"Wednesday at midnight we decided to do it," said Bob Hardy. "They phoned us up and we were in the area, and Alex, Nick and Paul were going to be here anyway."

Dizzee Rascal also played a storming set on the Park Stage - including some reluctant dancing by his latest collaborator, Calvin Harris.


Andre Paine

Glasto: Day 1

Kate Nash kicks things off and Kings Of Leon admit to "nausea"

27 June 2008 - The first day of Glastonbury has been hit with rain, but not as badly as previous years - and the evening is forecast to be dry.

Fans at the festival did at least have some strong acts to kick off the weekend, with KT Tunstall on the Pyramid stage as the rain started to come down this afternoon, while Vampire Weekend played to a large crowd on the Other Stage.

The band also told Steve Lamacq they were at Real World studios in Bath last night recording new material. They're back at Glastonbury on Saturday (28 June).

"Nausea"

Kings Of Leon also spoke to 6 Music and we asked Caleb Followill how he's feeling about topping the bill on the Pyramid stage.

"Nausea, I don't know, we're thrilled to have the opportunity but obviously it's a huge stage," he said. "We're probably going to play some new tunes for everybody and we've dusted off some old songs."

Glasvegas played the John Peel stage at lunchtime and singer James Allan sang part of You Are My Sunshine just as a downpour erupted.

Meanwhile, Lily Allen was one of the stars in attendance as a punter. The singer is a regular and she used to visit as a toddler with her father, actor Keith Allen.

"It's my 21st year at this festival and I love it to pieces, it's my home from home," she said.

"It's my 21st year at this festival."
Lily Allen

It was another young female artist who got to kick things off on the Pyramid stage - Kate Nash. She wore a bright pink dress, and despite some mud Kate said it was a special gig.

"We always have a routine where we hug and high-five and dedicate a gig to someone," said Nash. "This time we were like - this is for us and Glastonbury."

The festival has almost sold out, but organisers are offering punters a chance to buy day tickets for Sunday for £50 - you just need to head to the website to register and pick up your ticket on the day.

In total, 137,000 punters are expected on Worthy Farm. As of Friday lunchtime, tent thefts were up, but drug arrests were down; 213 crimes have been reported compared to 144 this time last year, with 54 arrests already.

Andre Paine

Glasto exclusive

The Last Shadow Puppets tell us about their secret Saturday set

27 June 2008 - Its been confirmed that The Last Shadow Puppets will play on the Park Stage at Glastonbury on Saturday night (28 June).

It will be a surprise appearance from the band, featuring Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner and The Rascals' Miles Kane.

The Rascals have already played the Left Field Stage on Thursday (26 June) and the Other Stage on Friday (27 June).

"We are going to do a little acoustic set, me and him (Alex Turner) and our friend John on keys," said Kane.

Turner has been in the VIP bar backstage and confirmed he will be playing on Saturday. Arctic Monkeys headlined Glastonbury in 2007.

"We are going to do a little acoustic set"
Miles Kane

Kane added that he's looking forward to seeing The Ting Tings and Glasvegas.

Meanwhile, Emily Eavis has spoken about her hopes for this year's festival - and she believes the slower sales have drawn a different crowd, though she reckoned it was still on course to sell out.

Eavis said: "It's been one hell of a rocky road this year, but we are so pleased to be on this high and nearly be there with the tickets.

"There has been a bit of backlash - and to be honest part of that is what we needed, because last year we couldn't live up to that hype. We think it's totally amazing, but nothing can live up to a build-up like that."

She added: "The spirit is so high, I really haven't experienced an atmosphere like this at Glastonbury for such a long time.

"It's a different crowd, I think we might have lost some people who aren't real Glastonbury people, and we've got a really brilliant distilled Glastonbury audience. They're young and old, there's a complete mix of people. There are a lot of first-timers."

Andre Paine

Glasto gridlock

Levellers headline first night, but fire is causing travel chaos

26 June 2008 - This year's Glastonbury festival is underway with the first acts appearing on the Left Field stage, Queen's Head and Lounge Stage with DJ sets at other locations.

However, a fire at a scrapyard a mile from the festival site this lunchtime has meant roads have been closed, which is causing big queues as fans arrive in large numbers. There are warnings that if people travel this afternoon they face hours of delays.

"The traffic is absolutely horrendous, I've been stuck in traffic for an hour and a half," said Dave Bennett from the RAC. The A37 wad closed where it meets the A361, which is near the festival's northern side.

Acts on the bill for the first day's action include Make Model, Glasvegas, Santogold, Roisin Murphy, The Rascals, Cut Copy and The Levellers, who headline the Leftfield stage.

However, the event is still not sold out. Festival Organiser Michael Eavis blamed the weather. "Three years of mud... Wouldn't that put you off?" he said.

"Three years of mud - wouldn't that put you off?"
Michael Eavis

Eavis also admitted he's lost sleep over the slower ticket sales this year and the £800,000 clear-up after last year almost put him off staging it again.

He said: "I thought it for a moment, I thought I don't think I can go through this again. But then you get over it, it's like having a baby. It's painful at the time, but you get over it."

The festival's popularity was dented this week after it emerged that thousands of tickets remained unsold, although organisers say there are now only about 800 tickets left.

Rapper Jay-Z has been blamed by some for the ticket slowdown and he has divided opinion on whether it was a good move to book him for Saturday night.

"When he comes on the Pyramid stage, I'm going to be heading to the other side of the festival," said one fan who's already on the site. Several bands have defended Jay-Z, though, including Coldplay.

A lack of rain and mud so far on the first proper day suggests Glastonbury will get off to a better start than recent years. Neil Diamond's playing on Sunday and he's completely optimistic.

He said: "It's an enormous music festival and I'm looking forward to it. Have I got my wellies? It's not going to rain, it's going to be beautiful."


Andre Paine

Glasto begins

Levellers headline first night, but fire set to cause travel chaos

26 June 2008 - This year's Glastonbury festival is underway with the first acts appearing on the Left Field stage, Queen's Head and Lounge Stage with DJ sets at other locations.

However, a fire at a scrapyard a mile from the festival site meant roads have been closed, which is likely to lead to problems as fans arrive in large numbers.

Acts on the bill for the first day's action include Make Model, Glasvegas, Santogold, Roisin Murphy, The Rascals, Cut Copy and The Levellers, who headline the Leftfield stage.

However, the event is still not sold out. Festival Organiser Michael Eavis blamed the weather. "Three years of mud... Wouldn't that put you off?" he said.

"Three years of mud - wouldn't that put you off?"
Michael Eavis

Eavis also admitted he's lost sleep over the slower ticket sales this year and the £800,000 clear-up after last year almost put him off staging it again.

He said: "I thought it for a moment, I thought I don't think I can go through this again. But then you get over it, it's like having a baby. It's painful at the time, but you get over it."

The festival's popularity was dented this week after it emerged that thousands of tickets remained unsold, although organisers say there are now only about 800 tickets left.

Rapper Jay-Z has been blamed by some for the ticket slowdown and he has divided opinion on whether it was a good move to book him for Saturday night.

"When he comes on the Pyramid stage, I'm going to be heading to the other side of the festival," said one fan who's already on the site. Several bands have defended Jay-Z, though, including Coldplay.

A lack of rain and mud so far on the first proper day suggests Glastonbury will get off to a better start than recent years. Neil Diamond's playing on Sunday and he's completely optimistic.

He said: "It's an enormous music festival and I'm looking forward to it. Have I got my wellies? It's not going to rain, it's going to be beautiful."


Andre Paine

Review: Radiohead London

Thom Yorke 'terrified', but on top form

24 June 2008 - A few weeks ago in Dublin, Thom Yorke and co. took to the stage for the first night of the European leg of their world tour. It was a fantastic evening, as many of the fans who left comments on our Fan Review Blog proved - rainbows and all, it was magical. Something about, what can only be described as, the 'vibe' of the band themselves: confident and comfortable.

However, tonight in Victoria Park, Thom Yorke seemed nervous as he thanked the crowd half way through the show, saying "I was f**kin' terrified". The band had chosen a set list that included very few sing-along hits, lots of electronic, mellow material from Kid A and Amnesiac, and almost all of In Rainbows. There was little from OK Computer - which had got the crowd bopping in Dublin.

Punters were obviously enthralled, but took time to react, with the loudest cheers from the fans at the very front. Or was this because they could actually see what was happening on the stage? A major drawback at Victoria Park is the lack of a slope towards the front, so if you are not six foot tall it's very hard to see, but they still sounded fantastic.

Someone is now going to hit this drumkit, me  - Thom Yorke

The band's first ten songs were mainly from In Rainbows - opening with 15 Steps and Bodysnatchers (then a brief "Hi" from Thom), moving onto All I Need, The National Anthem for Kid A, Pyramid Song from Amnesiac and then back to their seventh album In Rainbows for Wierd Fishes/ Arpeggi and Nude.

A little later the crowd gets a "Thank you very much" from Thom, as it slowly gets dark and their expensive, carbon friendly, amazing light show finally pays off. The crowd pleasers tonight were Just, which drew the biggest sing-along, There, There, Bodysnatchers and Nude.

Ever one for the political statement, Thom had the crowd chanting "Free Tibet, Free Tibet" around half way through the show, as he introduced a song about "Love and Peace" - Everything In Its Right Place from Kid A. One of the final songs of the evening was Bangers + Mash from the In Rainbows bonus disc. The crowd roared as Thom Yorke took to the drum kit to thrash out the relentless beat.

Radiohead are one of the few bands who can getaway with not playing all the hits to a huge crowd like this. There were a few disgruntled geezers muttering about not hearing Paranoid Android, but all in all these fans were more interested in the Radiohead of now, not of yesteryear. As one said to me afterwards: "Radiohead are experimental, they always have been, what were people expecting?". Quite right.

Full set list:

15 Step
Bodysnatchers
All I Need
The National Anthem
Pyramid Song
Nude
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
The Gloaming
Dollars And Cents
Faust Arp
There There
Just
Climbing Up The Walls
Reckoner
Everything In Its Right Place
How To Disappear Completely
Jigsaw Falling Into Place
Videotape
Airbag
Bangers + Mash
Planet Telex
The Tourist
Cymbal Rush
You And Whose Army
Idioteque


Ruth Barnes

Massive Attack delayed

No hurry but 3D says the new album is nearly done

24 June 2008 - They just graced audiences as headliners of Meltdown Festival on London’s Southbank (22 June) and whilst there, the trip-hop collective Massive Attack told 6 Music that they have nearly completed their new record.

It has been five years since their last studio album 100th Window , but 3D - full name Robert Del Naja, explained that they are in no hurry.

"We’ve done that all the time," he explained, "three years, four years, five years.  We’ve never been in a hurry, that's the way we do it and I think that may have something to do with the fact that we’re still around - because obviously we were never meant to hit the star and burn out quickly, it was always meant to be a slow sort of process."

"I like it like that.  Why be in a hurry man?  You develop as you get older and more mature, and as you change and move through life and experience stuff.

"Hopefully we’d like to think that that comes out in the music - so do it in your own time is my motto."

"I like it like that, why be in a hurry man... do it in your own time is my motto."
3D

Giving Nothing Away

The album may well be recorded but the Massive attack mastermind can give no clues as to how the record sounds.

"To be honest, until its mixed I can’t even tell you that,” he continued: "And the mix will probably be one of those long, drawn out processes which will probably see us scrap at least half our recording budget in two weeks as we do it all over again!"

Political Awareness

3D has also been busy, appearing alongside Damon Albarn as part of political campaigns and demonstrations.

He told 6 Music that his aim is not to overload his music with his political beliefs, but it is in there somewhere.

He explains: "We bury it a little because I think we’ve always been a band about abstractions in the way we compose and the way we collaborate with people. 

"You’re getting a lot of different opinions appearing everywhere on the record - different views and different personalities.

"It’s not like one bunch of people who all stand there shaking their fists, you know. Everybody’s got a different angle and different feeling about a situation."

3D went on to say that it is all of his collaborators’ opinions which contribute: "We’re very aware that the whole thing is a collage of people and not one person’s complete vision of it, but we will always try and use our situations to bring political strength to what we do."

For 3D, he believes getting a message across is a fundamental part of his role as a musician: "It’s just a natural condition of it all really. I think that’s part of the deal I signed, if you’re gonna go out and there and be able to get on stage, do all this and play music, then that’s one of the things you’re meant to do."

Hear the Music Week's full interview with Massive Attack by downloading the show's weekly podcast.
 
The band are headlining Glastonbury's Other Stage this Saturday 28 June and you can check out the rest of our BBC festival coverage here.

Georgie Rogers

"Live industry dated"

PRS are fighting to get artists more money from the live industry

23 June 2008 - The Performing Rights Society (PRS) has called the payments from the live music industry to songwriters “out of date”.

The PRS collects takings from live music events on behalf of songwriters and they say that artists have seen their earnings drop by 10% over the past five years, while the total value of the live music sector has risen 35% over the same period.

This boom in the live industry is down to increasing capital gained from all the pricey extras - merchandise, food, drink, parking and sponsorship.

Talks have begun between the PRS, who represent 60,000 composers and songwriters, and concert promoters and festival organisers - to try and change the way songwriters and composers are paid from live events.

In the present system, decided 20 years ago, songwriters receive 3% of the face value of each ticket, a system which Adrian Crooks believes is dated.

He told 6 Music: “The live music scene is booming as we know, and what happens is composers and songwriters are paid for their music which is played at live events on a percentage of ticket price.

“And there are so many things involved in the live music scene nowadays that is pushing up the value of live music, but that money is not coming back to the composers and songwriters themselves.”

"That money is not coming back to the composers and songwriters themselves."
Adrian Crooks

It is estimated that this year’s live music takings will reach 1.5 billion for the first time and Crooks explained how the songwriters and composers are losing on many fronts.

“There’s lots of other things that make up the live music mix these days like merchandising and food and drink or whatever,” he said, “but also the secondary ticketing market whereby if a ticket is resold, the composer or songwriter doesn’t get any kind of value of that second sale.”

If punters miss out on tickets first time round it is not uncommon to pay a considerable amount more for tickets - and as Crooks described, the songwriter does not see any of that money.

The PRS have begun talks with promoters and concert organisers and Crooks explained their aims: “To talk about the issues that songwriters and composers face, and together perhaps find a way of moving forward so it recognises the value that the creator of the music puts to the live music event.”

Crooks believes that the PRS has an important task ahead, as representatives of artists and songwriters, and hopes for action to move on over the course of 2008.

He concluded: “We’d expect during the course of the year to continue that dialogue and consult with our other music using customers in the live music area with a view this year to find a way forward.”

Georgie Rogers

Amy's shows on

The singer has emphysema but will play Glasto and Mandela

23 June 2008 - Amy Winehouse's dad says she has been given the medical all clear to perform at Nelson Mandela's birthday concert on Friday (27 June) and Glastonbury on 28 June.

The singer has early stage emphysema, a condition usually associated with smoking, but her father seems confident that she will play this weekend.

Mitch Winehouse told the BBC: "She will be well enough to be at Glastonbury, not could be. She's well enough to be at Glastonbury now."

He went on to say: "The thing that's keeping her going is the thought of being able to perform again.

"That's what she lives for and she really wants to do the gigs at the weekend and with the doctors' permission and they have given her permission, she will perform."

Setting The Rumours Straight

Mitch Winehouse told the BBC that his reason for speaking out was in order to break his silence over his daughter's illness and correct some rumours.

"There's been some confusing messages coming out. There's been stuff about TB, stuff about HIV but she hasn't got any of that.

"She has a small amount of emphysema. Obviously there's a hangover from the drugs situation. But with no more inhalation from smoke of any kind, she'll be absolutely fine."

Amy's Prognosis

Mitch recently told the Sunday Mirror newspaper that doctors said if the singer had continued in the way she was going, she would have ended up an invalid. 

Mitch said: "Had it gone on for another month, they painted a very vivid picture of her sitting there with a mask on her face struggling to breathe."

He said that while Amy’s voice may be ruined by smoking, emphysema is potentially life threatening, and regaining her health will require a total change of lifestyle.

He also said he doesn’t want "her hanging out with mates like Pete Doherty either."

Record Company Pressure

Before Amy was admitted to hospital Mitch spoke to the BBC about suggestions that her record company have been putting her under pressure to release new material: "Nothing could be further from the truth. They (the record company) want her to produce an album when she's ready.

"Unfortunately for every album she produces, she's got to give 10 pints of blood and cut her heart out - that's her music.  She's never going to sit at a piano and write a Cole Porter song."

Victoria Hannaford / Georgie Rogers

Winehouse health crisis

The singer has emphysema and her father speaks out

22 June 2008 - Amy Winehouse has early stage emphysema, a condition usually associated with smoking, according to an interview with her father Mitch in The Sunday Mirror.

He told the paper that doctors said if the singer had continued in the way she was going, she would have ended up an invalid.

He said: “She's got emphysema. It's in its early stages, but had it gone on for another month they painted a very vivid picture of her sitting there with a mask on her face struggling to breathe.”

He said that while Amy’s voice may be ruined by smoking, emphysema is potentially life threatening, and regaining her health will require a total change of lifestyle. He said he doesn’t want “her hanging out with mates like Pete Doherty either.”

Mitch spoke to the BBC before Amy had been admitted to hospital and he responsed to suggestions that her record company have been putting her under pressure to release new material: “Nothing could be further from the truth. They (the record company) want her to produce an album when she's ready.

“Unfortunately for every album she produces, she's got to give 10 pints of blood and cut her heart out - that's her music. She's never going to sit at a piano and write a Cole Porter song...”

However in the Sunday Mirror, he said he now hopes Amy will be able to sing at Glastonbury next weekend, because he believes singing has saved her life.

He has said that doctors have said medically there is no reason for her to stop singing and according to him; “she abstains and regulates her drug use when she has to do a show.”

Victoria Hannaford

Coldplay's first

The band reach the top of the singles chart for the first time ever

23 June 2008 - It is official, Coldplay have claimed two number one positions in the charts for their new single Viva La Vida and their fourth studio album Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends .

Despite the band’s history of four number one albums this is the first time that they have had a number one single in the UK.

Their success was also measured with the single reaching the top spot on download sales alone.  It is also the first time the band have reached number one with the single and album at the same time.

Released today by The Official Charts Company, this news makes Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends the band’s fastest selling album ever.

HMV's Gennaro Castaldo says the reason they have not had a number one before is because they are not a singles band.

He told 6 Music: “Many people would probably imagine that for such a big band they will already have had number one singles but in truth they’ve never had them. All their albums have gone to the top of the charts and they are really an albums band, that’s how most people tend to enjoy and access their music.”

Castaldo went on to say that this proves how much downloads are increasingly shaping the charts as well as highlighting the impact Coldplay’s new album has been having since its release.

“But I guess this time around there has been such an impact of Viva La Vida and of course a lot of people are downloading individual tracks from the album that it has actually been able to get that single out to the top of the charts even though it’s not actually out in physical form.”

"Many people would imagine that they will already have had number one singles but in truth they’ve never had them."
HMV's Gennaro Castaldo

Castaldo explained why it may come as a surprise that this is the band’s first number one single.

“You think of brilliant songs like Speed Of Sound and you think, ‘that’s bound to have been number one,’ but sometimes they’re just up against other tracks which are even more singles orientated and will always get to the top of the charts,” he said, “so possibly they’ve been a little bit unlucky with the timing on some of their releases in the past.”

Giving the first single away for free meant that Violet Hill was not counted in the charts despite being downloaded by in excess of two million people.

Castaldo explained: “Most of us would also have thought that when Violet Hill was released recently as a download that that would have gone in at number one but of course it was a free download which meant that it was disqualified from the charts.

“So technically they’d never had a number one single - but they now do.”

Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends is now in its second week at the top and has also been certified double platinum by the BPI.


Georgie Rogers

The Tony Wilson Experience: Review

Conversations about Tony Wilson in 24 Hour Talking People

21 June 2008 - A 24 hour long event in memory of Manchester impresario Tony Wilson was sparked off on Saturday. Far from a drug-fuelled party, the tribute to Wilson was an epic series of talks given mainly by his former colleagues and friends.

The venue next to Urbis was a tent set up like a TV chat show in the heart of Manchester. Joy Division co-founder Peter Hook, Charlatans front man Tim Burgess and actor Steve Coogan were among the eclectic mix of creatives keeping the conversation going. Other speakers included poet Simon Armitage, novelist Irvine Welsh and 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie.

Tributes were paid to the founder of Factory records and the Hacienda for his role as “the author of modern Manchester”, to use Maconie's words. Wilson's talents as a broadcaster and his involvement in politics were also remembered.

However, speakers were conscious of the process of “deification” that has gone on since he died of a heart attack last summer. “It used to be very fashionable to slag Tony off”, said Coogan, who played Wilson in Michael Winterbottom's film 24 Hour Party People, “at his worst, he was about noble failures”.

Tributes were paid to the founder of Factory records and the Hacienda for his role as “the author of modern Manchester”.

Given Wilson's passion for finding and nurturing talent, organisers were obviously keen to avoid a nostalgia fest. To continue his legacy, young people were invited to apply to take part in the event by completing creative application forms on the web. The most creative 200 were selected and given free “talent passes” to the show. So while most speakers were in their late forties, the audience was two to three decades younger. This shows the extent of Tony Wilson's influence and also enabled Coogan to make a couple of self deprecatory “old git” remarks.

If the aim of the event was to inspire this younger generation, what did they make of it? Perhaps not surprisingly, a couple felt that it was anchored too steeply in the past, with Cristina saying that “it steers a bit in the territory of 'I knew Tony Wilson – he was brilliant'. That's great but I kind of want it to be little bit more”.

Others, like Matt, wanted more encouragement to enter the debate: “The disappointing thing if I'm honest, is that there's not enough interaction with the speakers. They do keep saying 'please talk and say stuff,' but it's a little intimidating”.

The vast majority however, had an overwhelmingly positive experience. It wasn't just the instant celebrity status the “talent” passes provided, but genuine creative excitement gushed out in comments such as Gemma's: “I feel like I'm breathing ideas. I'm very glad that there's a notebook in the goody bag, I've already done a bit of writing today. I'm a poet, I'm sure there are going to be one or two poems come out of today”.

This year's event was funded by Manchester City Council and the driving force behind it was Factory record designer Peter Saville, who is now the Council's creative director. While funding is not yet secured, he hopes it will become an annual event and further cement Tony Wilson's legacy.

So are we ready for another 24 hours of conversation? Perhaps not quite yet, but give it 12 months and we might just be prepared for another brain enhancing session.

Silvia Costeloe

Amy Winehouse has emphysema

Her father speaks about new health crisis

22 June 2008 - Amy Winehouse has early stage emphysema, a condition usually associated with smoking, according to an interview with her father Mitch in The Sunday Mirror. He told the paper that doctors said if the singer had continued in the way she was going, she would have ended up an invalid.

He said: “She's got emphysema. It's in its early stages, but had it gone on for another month they painted a very vivid picture of her sitting there with a mask on her face struggling to breathe.”

He said that while Amy’s voice may be ruined by smoking, emphysema is potentially life threatening, and regaining her health will require a total change of lifestyle. He said he doesn’t want “her hanging out with mates like Pete Doherty either.”

Mitch spoke to the BBC before Amy had been admitted to hospital and he responsed to suggestions that her record company have been putting her under pressure to release new material. “Nothing could be further from the truth. They (the record company) want her to produce an album when she's ready. Unfortunately for every album she produces, she's got to give 10 pints of blood and cut her heart out - that's her music. She's never going to sit at a piano and write a Cole Porter song...”

However in the Sunday Mirror, he said he now hopes Amy will be able to sing at Glastonbury next weekend, because he believes singing has saved her life. He has said that doctors have said medically there is no reason for her to stop singing and according to him “she abstains and regulates her drug use when she has to do a show.”


Victoria Hannaford

Leonard Cohen: Fan verdict

6 Music sends a long-standing fan to Leonard's final night at the Manchester Opera House

21 June 2008 - Leonard Cohen had taken to the stage in Manchester.  6 Music has sent fan Steve Broome along to share the night with us.


When did you first hear Leonard Cohen's music?
What is it about him that you most admire?

I used to wake up every morning to "Bird on a Wire" as a student in 1971. Whoever was first up put "Songs from a Room" on the record player -full blast. The neighbours got to know him well as well!

"Songs of Love and Hate", his third LP, was so powerful he just took all the bad days off your shoulders and dealt with them - any problems were eaten up and laughed at. He shared the good days with his poetry - at worst he made you smile, at best he filled you with joy. He never ever brought you down, he only lifted you up. He has continued to do that for the last forty years.

What do you think are his funniest lyrics?

The funniest and most supportive lyrics are:- "There are no letters in the mailbox, there are no grapes upon the vine. There are no chocolates in the boxes anymore, there are no diamonds in the mine".

The words are just so final, what else is there to say? Hey just "cheer up and enjoy".

What experience have you had of Leonard live in the past?

I first saw him at the Isle of Wight festival in the summer of 1970. He didn't then make a big impression as there were too many impressions to have. I next saw him on his tour in Southport in the mid seventies. I just remember the audience being polite and respectful to a singing poet. I felt like he had just come and sung for me.

Did you ever think that you would have the opportunity to see him play live again?

No, but hoped.

I heard a young twenty something say to his friend "that was the best gig I have ever been to in my life".

How did you feel in the build up to this gig?

Absolutely delighted that he was coming to sing to me again.

What did you think when he first took to the stage?

When he came on the stage at first I thought he looked old and frail but throughout the evening he constantly became both younger and fitter. He dressed in his grey double breasted suit and he was wearing a fedora which he frequently removed with respect to his band and his audience. The atmosphere was full of excitement and nervousness. Will he? Can he? Of course he did!

The audience was made up of all ages and reacted as one to his songs and his poetry. As I left I heard a young twenty something say to his friend "that was the best gig I have ever been to in my life". Of course it was!

What was the highlight of the night for you?

“Songs of Love and Hate” was revisited by virtue of the "Famous Blue Raincoat". I didn't know he would be singing my favourite song. I didn't know if he would sing it as wonderfully and powerfully and melodically as it could ever be sung. Of course it was!.

What did you make of his choice of set list?

I would have liked to have heard him sing about the chocolates in the boxes from “Diamonds in the Mine” but then I would have liked to have heard him sing everyone of his lyrics from everyone of his songs. Perhaps he will sing all those to me when I see him at the O2 Stadium in July. I am sure he will! Of all the songs he did sing, none were disappointing all were exquisite. “Hallelujah” probably stole the show, but “Jane and her Raincoat” made it the absolutely perfect evening for me.
Thank you, Leonard. See you soon.






Steve Broome

Review: My Bloody Valentine

Roundhouse Comeback

21 June 2008 - After sixteen years away from the live stage, My Bloody Valentine finally made their comeback at The Roundhouse in London’s Camden Town for the first of a five night residency.

In an era totally awash with reunion tours, it’s still hard to believe that a band so surrounded by myth, anticipation and silence like My Bloody Valentine have actually managed to get it to this stage at all.

Die-hard fans with a little more expendable income were treated to a sneak preview of what’s on offer last weekend when the band performed two ‘warm-ups’ at the ICA in London.

On-stage at the ICA, frontman Kevin Shields made it clear to the audience that these two pre-shows were just that and that the actual ‘comeback’ clearly began with these Roundhouse gigs.

Tonight, the band took to a stage sagging under the excessive weight of amps, guitar pedals and strobe lights to rapturous applause befitting an outfit so heaped in cult praise.

Performing an almost identical set to their ICA warm-ups, the band blistered through a setlist compiled wholly out of their post-jangle Creation Records period.

A blistering version of ‘Only Shallow’ opened up proceedings in the same brutal yet beautiful way it introduces the listener to the bands most revered album ‘Loveless’.

The clarity of sound and the freshness of performance made you feel that either the album was freshly released or we’d all just been unknowingly transported back 17 years.

The offerings from the bands debut Creation album ‘Isn’t Anything’ were well received but there was a noticeable rush of energy when the band launched into anything from their second, critically acclaimed album ‘Loveless’.

The clarity of sound and the freshness of performance made you feel that either the album was freshly released or we’d all just been unknowingly transported back 17 years 

On entering the venue, signs were dotted around warning of the obvious use of strobes but also offering free earplugs in anticipation of the punishing noise levels.

In contrast, the gig actually kicked off at a rather acceptable level forcing everyone into a false sense of security as they casually dropped their unemployed earplugs onto the ground along with their empty plastic pint cups.

It was only during the instrumental coda of ‘I Only Said’ half way through the set that sound levels were steadily pushed up to a point where your ears were clearly distorting along with the amps.

It quickly became apparent that hastily concocted earplugs fashioned out of stray fag-ends weren’t going to be any deterrent to the onslaught of tinnitus.

Backed by a somewhat psychedelic video backdrop and random strobe pulses, the band ploughed on through their Creation back-catalogue without ever loosing direction.

The gig highlight naturally came from the blissed out jangle of Loveless ender ‘Soon’ - the nearest the band came to a straight up Indie/Dance crossover track in the early nineties.

The grand finale was brought courtesy of the bands first ever Creation release ‘You Made Me Realise’. The track clocked in at just over 18 minutes but, in reality, only the first two minutes were actual song.

The final sixteen minutes was given over to an ear bleeding white noise 16 minute sonic-assault that, back in the day was referred to as ‘The Holocaust’.

The band left the stage having said nothing to the audience aside from testing the mics at the beginning with a brief ‘1-2’.

The encore wasn’t provided by the band but provided by your own ears desperately trying to minimise their damage through a wall of high pitched damage.




Adam Dineen

Shoegazers' return

My Bloody Valentine speak on comeback tour and new material

20 June 2008 - Influential shoegazers get back on the road for the first time in 16 years, kicking off the tour at London’s Roundhouse tonight (20 June).

The show is the first of five London dates before they play two dates at Manchester’s Apollo from 28 June – winding up after two gigs in Glasgow on 2 July.

The tour follows two last minute shows at the ICA (13 & 14 June) which saw the band play six tracks from their album Loveless including a favourite Soon, and four tracks from their 1988 record, Isn ’t Anything .

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music the My Bloody Valentine singer and guitarist, Kevin Shields, said that this time round the upcoming shows are not weighing on his mind.

He said: “No, I mean we did a couple of warm up gigs and that was just with a little PA, no production, it was just like playing in a room. We know that when we do it properly, it’ll be alright I think.”

The bands show late last week appeared to be characteristically spontaneous, as Shields told 6 Music: “When we played on Friday that was the first time we played all the songs in a row, we hadn’t even done a rehearsal or anything, we just practiced a few songs a day.”

But the frontman was seemingly pleased with their decision to start the actual tour at the Roundhouse, telling 6 Music:

“We can do it properly, it’s gonna be as good a PA that’s ever been in there and that’s great. It’s about making it a physical total experience in a way.”

And they intend to make the comeback shows better than any of their older gigs, as Shields explained:

“We wanted to be better than we were, like all the things we hated about ourselves we wanted to eliminate but without being boring. We want to really represent the energy, feel like just after making a record feeling.”

"We want to really represent the energy, feel like just after making a record feeling."
Kevin Shields

New Material

The band split in 1997 with an extensive fan base but a fairly limited amount of albums in their back catalogue - but Shields revealed that they now have new material on the go, which was prompted by a lack of material to play at their gigs.

Shields said: “We haven’t got that many songs you see, we only have two albums. We never had that many great songs so the interesting thing about even doing a few gigs is that we’re already like, ‘God, we need new songs badly’.”

However, the prospect of new songs had been in their minds for some time.

“It’s nice to really need them as opposed to thinking it would be nice,” Shields said, “because we already had that we were like, ‘yeah we’re definitely gonna do new songs,’ and then we just didn’t get around to it - because it was hard enough to try and get our act together really.”

The musician then confirmed to 6 Music that they have begun writing again and intend to compile songs for a new album.

“We’re kinda working on new material now. I mean I’ve been writing a lot and that’s why were doing this, to make a new record,” he said.

The Reunion Decision

The My Bloody Valentine frontman also said that getting back together has been in their thoughts for a long time as well.

He claimed that the band’s relations were always amicable, but back in 1997 they just needed time apart.

Shields said: “Us four here have never fallen out, the nearest thing to falling out was when we all agreed when we turned thirty we were like, ‘you know what lets do our own thing as we’ve been together for ages. Let’s do our own thing and see what happens.’

“Now we’re forty five and were finally doing it again but we’d decided to do it for about five years.”

Georgie Rogers

Long Blondes cancel

The band pull out of Glasto due to Dorian's illness

18 Jun 2008 - The Long Blondes have had to pull out of their Glastonbury slot, and all of their upcoming shows, after their guitarist, Dorian, has been taken seriously ill.

On the band’s website, they say he was “rushed to hospital after falling ill, and he is still in hospital in Sheffield in a serious condition.“

He was taken ill on the June 9, and the statement continues:

“Because of this we will regrettably be canceling all our live appearances until the end of July. Dorian is improving slowly and we will keep you updated on his condition. If you would like to leave a message on MySpace, Facebook, or through the website, we would be glad to pass them on to him when we visit.”

The band had been due to play the John Peel stage at Worthy Farm next weekend, and they are also going to miss a slot at London’s O2 supporting Duran Duran.

List of cancelled dates:

June  21 - One Love Festival - Istanbul, Turkey
June 29 - Glastonbury Festival, John Peel stage
July 03 - O2 Arena, London (with Duran Duran)
July 05 - Pop Circus - Milan, Italy
July  07 - Birmingham NIA (with Duran Duran)
July 18  - Summercase - Barcelona, Spain
July 19 - Summercase - Madrid, Spain


Jo Youle

Glasto Park Stage complete

Eavis dishes all on this year's additions and Amy's show in doubt

19 June 2008 - With White Denim as the final addition to play on 29 June, Glastonbury’s Park stage line-up is now complete.

The Texan garage rock band will join other 6 Music favourites, My Morning Jacket, MGMT, Santogold, Dizzee Rascal, CSS, Pete Doherty and Lykke Li - to name but a few.

Whilst surveying the Glastonbury grounds last weekend, with the Music Week's Matt and Julie, ahead of the mammoth festival - the Park Stage mastermind Emily Eavis explained which new improvements to the area she is excited about.

She said: “This is the Ribbon Tower and people can go up to the top where we have a viewing platform and old seaside style binoculars and a wicker hat - and it’s beautiful colours.

“We’ve got a Tree Café, the Rabbit Hole there which is one of the most amazing late night venues and we’ve got a giant stilt walker who’s gonna be hiding in the hill there. And the Jam Tent there – jam being to play rather than marmalade! So much exciting stuff.”

"Up here, there’ll always be that element of anything could happen, any concoction."
Emily Eavis

In the Park Stage’s second year of existence, there will be more special surprise guests announced when Glastonbury 2008 kicks off - to be leaked via the festival paper.

A diverse melting pot of artists is the aim with the addition of the talented Shlomo and his Beatbox Orchestra, and Emily revealed that he will definitely be doing special collaborations during his show.

Impromptu collaborations is one draw of the Park Stage and last year, Damon Albarn’s Africa Express ended in spontaneous freestyle performances from Terry Hall, Lily Allen, Fat Boy Slim and Franz Ferdinand.

Emily claimed that the general environment and atmosphere of the area is what enables such random festival happenings to take place.

She said: “It’s a nice vibe up here because it’s less stressful than the main stage which can sometimes be quite full on.

“And up here it’s always nice having people be able to totally relax and hang out, there’ll always be that element of anything could happen, any concoction.”

Another addition to the Park Stage area is that of a nautical, multi-cultural feel.

“We’ve got this ship here, it’s actually a tent but it’s gonna look like a ship and it goes to a different continent every day,” Emily said: “On Friday, it’s all Africa themed with so many amazing DJs and music and then every day it goes to a different destination and people are dressing cruise ship style.”

She went on: “They’ve got the most brilliant things planned, all these little things going on and people have put so much into it, it’s so far beyond us, it’s incredible.”

Amy Winehouse Remains Hospitalised

Meanwhile in other Glastonbury news, moving back to the Pyramid Stage, it has been reported that Amy Winehouse is to be held in hospital until she is fully recovered, which means she might well miss it.

According to tabloid reports, Winehouse’s father Mitch says the troubled singer is to remain in hospital, after fainting on 16 June, while they find out what is wrong with her.

So far the tests remain inconclusive.
 
Watch 6 Music’s Glastonbury: Behind The Scenes video

Check out all of the BBC’s Glastonbury 2008 coverage

See below for the complete Park Stage line-up:

Friday 27 June:

Pete Doherty
Dizzee Rascal
John Cale
Edwyn Collins
The Duke Spirit
Operator Please
Sons & Daughters
Santogold
Beggars
Magic Wands
Eugene Macguinness
Island Line

Saturday 28 June:

CSS
Battles
MGMT
Shlomo presents 'Music Through Unconventional Means' with the Vocal Orchestra & Special Guests
Kool Keith & Kutmaster Kurt
Cerys Matthews
Alphabeat
Team Waterpolo
Lykke Li
St Vincent
Jape

Sunday 29 June:

My Morning Jacket
Tunng
Vetiver
Caribou
Laura Marling
The Mystery Jets
Katheryn Williams & Neill MacColl
The Cave Singers
White Denim
Mumford & Sons
Alan Tyler & The Lost Sons
The Redbridge Brass Band

Georgie Rogers

Fleet Foxes On Religion

The band aim for "transcendence" without religious baggage

19 June 2008 - Since arriving from Seattle three months ago Fleet Foxes have played a number of sold out shows, the Royal Festival Hall and their debut self-titled album which was released on 16 June has notched up 4 and 5 star reviews across the board.

Their style includes group singing reminiscent of gospel songs, hymnals and devotionals which the critics have not ignored.

However, the band have said that when making the album, their aim was to connect with “transcendence” rather than make religious sounding music.

Frontman and songwriter Robin explained how they came to sing as a group, saying:

“We all listen to different kinds of music but as we started making singing a really big focus of the songs, there are different ways you can go.

“I think that way of group singing felt most natural as opposed to trying to work out complicated jazz interval harmony stuff. It suited the songs to treat the songs like you would hear on a gospel record.”

Because their music does not have an overtly religious thrust, but taps into similarities of that genre, drummer Josh claimed that it enables Fleet Foxes to appeal to a wider audience.

He said: “A lot of people don’t get to hear that style of music or get that feel without a religious or spiritual implication - and a lot of people want that but there is a lot of baggage with that kinda music I think.

“So, it’s interesting for people, it’s redeeming in a way to hear people doing that free of implications.”

Robin says he often listens to religious music, but went on to explain that it is not necessarily the religious connotations that he responds to, but the feelings conveyed within that style of music.

“More of what I’m responding to in that music is just some genuine feeling that the person is obviously having,” he said, “and that might be their desire for a connection to this God or whatever, but that doesn’t need to be the goal, it’s just the emotions coming through.”

"There is a lot of baggage with that kinda music . So, it’s redeeming in a way to hear people doing that free of implications."

Richard Dawkins

The conversation then moved into rather philosophical territory as the biologist and science writer, Richard Dawkins, was referenced.

Dawkins is an atheist and believes that religion is a delusion.

“Richard Dawkins describes it as a misfiring,” Josh said, in light of religion.

He went on to talk about the notion of transcendence which is believed to be inherent in humans - as we try to go beyond our limits of experience and into the unknowable, saying:

“Like, everyone has this transcendence impulse. Dawkins describes a lot of religious activities or rituals as being a misfiring of that impulse and I think that too often people throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Transcendence then, was what they band aimed for with their music, as they both agreed.

“If you were to try and pin down any goal or objective with music I would think that transcendence would be the best one,” said Josh.

The band think that ultimately, like religion, music also the ability to be baffling and is hard to tie down, as Robin explained:

“All music to me is mysterious and transcendent. No matter what. You can’t really describe what music is really or why it affects you in a certain way.

“It’s just as much of a God figure in some way, that mysterious unreachable thing.”

So then, having already caused quite a storm at their sold out London ULU gig on 11 June and the rest of their UK tour – the boys opened up a world of discussion that extends the religious themes within their music.

But, rest assured – for those with faith or without - they do claim to offer something a bit different with their gospel style singing and somewhat spiritual melodies.

Georgie Rogers

Long Blondes pull Glasto

Dorian seriously ill in hospital

18 Jun 2008 - The Long Blondes have had to pull out of their Glastonbury slot, and all of their upcoming shows, after Dorian from the band has been taken ill.

On the band’s website, they say he was “rushed to hospital after falling ill, and he is still in hospital in Sheffield in a serious condition.“

He was taken ill on the June 9, and the statement continues:

“Because of this we will regrettably be canceling all our live appearances until the end of July. Dorian is improving slowly and we will keep you updated on his condition. If you would like to leave a message on MySpace, Facebook, or through the website, we would be glad to pass them on to him when we visit.”

The band had been due to play the John Peel stage at Worthy Farm next weekend, and they are also going to miss a slot at London’s O2 supporting Duran Duran.

List of cancelled dates:

June  21 - One Love Festival - Istanbul, Turkey
June 29 - Glastonbury Festival, John Peel stage
July 03 - O2 Arena, London (with Duran Duran)
July 05 - Pop Circus - Milan, Italy
July  07 - Birmingham NIA (with Duran Duran)
July 18  - Summercase - Barcelona, Spain
July 19 - Summercase - Madrid, Spain


Jo Youle

Review: Leonard Cohen

Hallelujah as the 73 year old has not lost his touch

18 June 2008 - You know you’re a living legend when you get a standing ovation just for taking the stage.

That’s what Leonard Cohen got from his fans last night in Manchester and with two hour long sets and a six song encore to boot, he more than justified the adoration.

The six-piece backing band was smooth and sophisticated, staying the right side of tasteful lounge music thanks largely to the Spanish guitar player Javier Mas.

If that sounds slightly disrespectful, then let me hasten to say that they created the perfect platform for what was undoubtedly the star attraction of the show… Leonard Cohen’s voice.

Although he’s starting to look a little like the 73 year old man that he is, Lenny still looks great on stage. A steel grey double breasted suit and a slate grey shirt with no tie was toped off with a sharp fedora (grey of course) which made the great man look a little like a mafia don; apparently genteel on the outside but 100% killer on the inside.

And this was confirmed when he opened his mouth to sing the set opener Dance Me To The End Of Love. Quite simply Leonard Cohen’s voice is a force of supernature.

If anything, it sounds better now than it ever did. It was deep and magisterial from start to finish. You could hear every word, every syllable and every nuance and just lie back and indulge in classic song after classic song.

As well as the musicians on stage there was also a chorus of three female singers made up of Cohen’s long term collaborator Sharon Robinson and British duo The Webb Sisters.

Most of the time they provided simple, succinct, soulful backing but on a number of songs they were almost dueting with the maestro. But don’t let that make you think that Lenny was coasting. Far from it.

He gave us nearly every classic from right across his career (Famous Blue Raincoat was perhaps the most… er… famous absent song) and he proved that his songs from the 80s and 90s were as powerful as anything he ever recorded.

Second song of the night, The Future, was particularly powerful and gave Cohenites a chance to play spot the lyric change.

After a short interval the second set started with just Cohen, his backing singers and Hammond player Neil Larson giving us a wonderfully intimate version of Tower of Song which was quickly followed by Suzanne .

Then a few songs later came the one most if us had been waiting for… Hallelujah. Admittedly Leonard doesn’t have the golden voice of Jeff Buckley or Rufus Wainwright but no other version could hold a candle to the performance of this song last night.

With the stage illuminated in bright white light Cohen’s body was clenched like a gospel singer about to testify… and that’s just what he did.

Like every other classic song he played the performance brought another standing ovation and the great man seemed to be genuinely enjoying the love that was being showered on him. In fact the whole show was a complete love-in.

Lenny love us and we loved him, Lenny loved his band and introduced each of them at least 6 times. There was an almost overwhelming atmosphere of grace and gratitude.

The financial disasters which prompted Cohen to return to performing seemed almost worth it. There ain’t no cure for love like this and hallelujah for that.

Ged Gray

Duffy for Bond theme?

Jack White and Duffy are the latest contenders for the Bond movie

17 June 2008 - There has been an abundance of rumours concerning who will record the theme music for the forthcoming James Bond film Quantum Of Solace .

A Mark Ronson-produced Amy Winehouse track and a song by X Factor winner Leona Lewis have both been touted and there was even tabloid gossip about a composition by Gorillaz mastermind Damon Albarn.

Now, two more names have been thrown into the confusing Bond mix.

“Well, a lady never exposes her secrets.”
Duffy

Following producer Bernard Butler’s comments claiming his protégé Duffy would be ideal for the job, the Welsh singer was quizzed about the project at the MOJO Awards.

The 23 year-old did nothing to quell speculation, refusing to deny that she had submitted a song, and saying: “Well, a lady never exposes her secrets.”

In addition, Alex Turner spoke to 6 Music and revealed: “I’ve heard that Jack White were doin’ it,” a statement that was immediately followed by his Last Shadow Puppets cohort Miles Kane adding, “I’ve heard other things, I thought it were’ over, that race. We should just say we’re doing it.”

Before the pair – perhaps jokingly - confirmed, “Yeah, we are doing it.”

Georgie Rogers

Stones Stay Put

Stones play down deal with Live Nation

16 June 08 - It was reported in yesterday's Observer that The Rolling Stones were on the verge of ending their 31-year relationship with EMI, to join concert promoters Live Nation.

Sources say Live Nation, home to Madonna and Jay Z, would market its back catalogue, depriving EMI of around £3m a year.

Live Nation would also take merchandising and touring rights for future Stones shows, some of which have grossed as much as £750m.

Today, their spokesman said: "We are not in talks with Live Nation in connection with any record deal." 

However,  the Stones record deal with EMI is due to expire soon and they could well be set to part ways with the label.

This would be a huge blow to private equity company Terra Firma, led by Guy Hands, which acquired the label in a £3.2bn deal last summer. 


Elizabeth Alker

Lily on Kaisers' album

Lily Allen has done vocals on the Kaisers' album

16 June 2008 - While Mark Ronson has produced the new Kaiser Chiefs’ album, it has been confirmed that his chum and singer Lily Allen has done some backing vocals for the band.

Bassist Simon Rix from the Leeds quintet told the BBC of Lily’s input on the album, saying: “She came in and we were like if you wanna sing on something you can sing on something.”

He went on: “Whether or not it makes it on the record is another question but we’re just trying stuff out and trying songs and we’ve written quite a few songs – some get scrapped and some get kept.”

"So, the conclusion is that Nick and Ricky are Mark Ronson’s removal men."
Simon Rix

The whole affair was misconstrued in the tabloids, as Rix also explained.

He said: “It’s quite funny as it has been in the paper actually. Lily was outside with Mark (Ronson) and Mark was saying goodbye and then it was in The Sun that she was helping him move into his London pad, which was actually our studio.

“And then in the background Nick and Ricky, who are quite recognisable I think, were actually cut out of the picture but there was some mention of removal men.

“So, the conclusion is that Nick and Ricky are Mark Ronson’s removal men.”

6 Music previously caught up with Mark Ronson at the Ivor Novello Awards, who is seemingly pleased with the results of his collaboration with the Kaiser Chiefs.

He explained what he thinks he has brought to the collaboration:

“I’m just a huge fan of theirs so hopefully bringing that energy of someone who’s just a giant fan, knowing what a Kaiser Chiefs fan would like. They’ve written some great songs so they don’t really need me as much as I need them.”

Georgie Rogers

Massive In Meltdown

Massive Attack play Meltdown Festival

15 June 2008 - This year’s Meltdown Festival is curated by Bristol trip hop pioneers Massive Attack.

A variety of events and artists chosen by the duo will take place around London’s Southbank precinct over their 10 day programme.

Although Meltdown gives artists a chance to expose some of their influences to a wider audience, it was the music Massive Attack themselves have been making over the last few years that people were curious to hear.

A fifth album has been in the works for quite some time, and they’ve taken several different turns musically from the early days of the Wild Bunch - with varying degrees of success.

They are playing several dates over the course of Meltdown which began last night at the Royal Festival Hall.

It felt like a shaky start as they kicked off their set with a couple of new songs, but any doubts the audience held were quietly swept away when vocalist Stephanie Dosen sang the first few notes of Teardrop.

From then on, it was a mix of old and new material, political slogans illuminated on stage and roars of approval from the crowd for both the classic tunes and anti-war sentiments.

The encore enveloped the audience with Horace Andy’s vocals for Angel

The night continued to gather momentum, but it was difficult to rally around a set that was largely comprised of new songs.

Especially ones that explored the same kind of dark territory heard on 100th Window, their least accessible album.

Despite this, there was a sense of loyalty from the crowd, and Massive Attack need only delve into their back catalogue to deliver.

The encore enveloped the audience with Horace Andy’s vocals for Angel, and the night peaked with the unquestionably brilliant Unfinished Sympathy, a song which had the whole audience united on their feet and shouting for more.

SETLIST

All I Want
Marooned
Teardrop
16 Seeter Risingson
Kingpin Mezzanine
Harpsichord
Red Light Inertia
Creeps
Safe From Harm
Marakesh

ENCORE

Angel
Unfinished Sympathy
Dobro

Victoria Hannaford

Glastonbury Report

Exclusive report from festival site

14 June 2008 - With only two weeks to go until the Glastonbury festival gets well underway, 6music have had exclusive access to the site.
 
Currently the ground is dry underfoot with no mud in sight.

Despite this however, tickets for Glastonbury are still not sold out.

Our reporters Julie Cullen and Matt Everitt, who visited the site, managed to catch up with Michael Eavis yesterday who gave his own verdict on why the event wasn't sold out:

"It's still a British thing that if something is big and successful then we start kicking it around a bit. So we've had some criticisms. Mainly about the mud, maybe slight overcrowding last year, not enough seats, the busses didn't seem to work as well as they should have done. But we have addressed all those things and we're working all the time to make it even better anyway."

Eavis made a controversial move to make tickets available over the counter at HMV stores in major cities up and down the country and they can still be purchased in this way. He told 6music how many are left:

"I think we've got about 7000 tickets left, that's all. With only 2 weeks left to go its forecast glorious sunshine and they are selling out all the time. So they should take about ten days to sell out."

"Next year I think the demand will go back to how it was." Michael Eavis

And whether Eavis will employ his tactic of selling tickets over the counter again, he wasn't so sure:

"Not necessarily. It depends really on the demand next year really," he said before adding:

"The whole thing of photos on tickets - we had a look at that again this year. Previously we had experienced a lot of touting and it annoyed me to think that people were paying 120 quid for a ticket and selling them on for £400. This year we didn't quite get to the point where we could sell them all with photos on because we were left with 10 000 at the end."

Despite the problems faced by the festival this year, Eavis is positive that next year its popularity will have returned:

"Next year I think the demand will go back to how it was. If we have a dry fine summer this year and people enjoy themselves as much as I think they're going to, then the demand will be how it was. If not, then we'll have to look at the whole ticket system again."

For a full report from the Glastonbury site, the view from the Pyramid Stage, the dryness of the ground and more from Michael and Emily Eavis, tune into the Music Week Programme with Matt and Julie from one o clock on Sunday (15 June).

Elizabeth Alker

Gnarls not Crazy

Danger Mouse & Cee-Lo hit London's 229 Club for low key affair

12 June 2008 - There was always a danger that without a genre smashing single like Crazy – Gnarls’ second album The Odd Couple   might have let them down when it came to pure live delivery on the dance floor. An album this well produced, with all its layers and studio trickery can require a lot more than just the forceful imperious vocals of Cee-Lo Green. But what this gig lacked tonight  was a venue which could house that masterful gospel sound of a man which defined much of the summer of 2006.

It may be presumptuous to assume that at any Gnarls Barkley gig there will be costume changes – in the past they have opted for tennis clobber and even paraded flower power on stage, tonight Cee-Loo, with his tartan pants and blazer looked like he belonged on a golf course, his backing ensemble at Butlins and Danger Mouse in a “cool” league of his own – no costume changes or cheap gimmicks here then.

Early on and some fans did criticise the gig, one fan of 6 Music said: “ The venue lacked any kind of atmosphere.”

It took a while for this gig to warm up. During a seated and intense rendition of Neighbors the crowd lifted and it felt like the mood rose too. But all in all this wasn’t a gig full of explosive energy or hyper performances.

"The venue lacked any kind of atmosphere ."
Gnarls Barkley Gig Goer

With Crazy came some release – we had hands in the air and a half hearted sing along.

The wiry Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) remained sonic wizard throughout, little movement on his behalf, but with the encore of Smiley Faces even he could afford a little laugh.

Gnarls Barkley continue their shows at Bush Hall on 13 June and Islington Academy on 14 June.


Adrian Larkin