Little Noise legends

Kasabian, Keane, Glasvegas and Florence and the Machine head up Little Noise Sessions bill

29 September 2008 - A magic line-up of acts are secured to play the series of intimate acoustic gigs at the Union Chapel in London’s Islington in November.

In aid of Mencap, this year’s Little Noise Sessions will take place from Saturday 8 November and run for eleven consecutive nights until Tuesday 18 November.

This year's line up will include performances from Glasvegas, Razorlight, Stereophonics, James Morrison, Kasabian, Keane, Seasick Steve, Florence and The Machine, The Script as well as some special secret guests.

2007 saw Bono and The Edge from U2 give an exclusive acoustic performance of never heard before tracks.

Welsh rocker Kelly Jones, frontman of the Stereophonics is excited: "We are really looking forward to playing the show for the Little Noise Sessions on behalf of Mencap.

"To be able to do an acoustic show in such an intimate venue and be able to support such a worthy cause will be a really special thing to do and something we rarely get chance to do.  It will be beautiful."

And it is all for a very worthy cause, as Jo Williams - Chief Executive of Mencap, says: "Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions is a really important event for learning disability. Not only does it help raise money to ensure we can support people with a learning disability, but it raises the profile of the challenges that the 1.5 million with a learning disability face.

"We are hugely grateful to all the acts who freely give their time and effort, and especially to Jo Whiley, Mencap’s ambassador, who puts in a huge amount of time and effort to help organise and curate the event."

Registration for tickets kicks off on Monday 1 October until Sunday 19 October at www.mencapmusic.org.uk .

Tickets are priced at £40, with all proceeds going to the charity Mencap.

See below for the line-up so far:

Saturday 8 November
Glasvegas
Cage the Elephant
Plus surprise special guest

Sunday 9 November
Razorlight
Florence and the Machine
Esser

Monday 10 November
Stereophonics
Seasick Steve

Thursday 13 November
James Morrison
Sam Beeton

Friday 14 November
Kasabian

Saturday 15 November
Keane
The Script
Bryn Christopher
Red Light Company

Tuesday 18 November
Fratellis

Georgie Rogers

Led Zep no go

Robert Plant urges anyone buying Led Zeppelin tickets they aren’t reforming

29 September 2008 - While touring the USA with his Mercury nominated album Raising Sand -  a collaboration with Alison Krauss - the Led Zeppelin frontman denies more rumours that the legendary band are reforming.

After the last leg of that tour, Plant has no intentions of touring with anyone for at least two years.

This rules out any form of tour or recording on the Led Zeppelin front.

Therefore, anyone buying tickets online to any such event will be purchasing fake tickets.

A statement from Plant reads: "It's both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward."

He added: "I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects."

Georgie Rogers

Oasis headline proms

Manchester giants have been confirmed to close BBC Electric Proms

29 September 2008 - Oasis will take to the stage at The Roundhouse in London on Sunday 26 October, accompanied by the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music Noel Gallagher said: "There’s 50 odd, or 250 or something, so we’re gonna do a night with a full choir - because some of the songs have got a fifty piece choir on them on the album - so we’re gonna do a night at the proms with them."

Ray Davis has used the choir in the past, to which Gallagher responded: "Yeah and Ennio Morricone uses them for his spaghetti western stuff in England, so I’m already looking forward to that because I’ve never played the Roundhouse and never done the proms."
 
They join the previously announced Chaka Khan, Goldfrapp, Tony Christie, Wild Beasts, XX Teens and Burt Bacharach.

"I’m already looking forward to that because I’ve never played the Roundhouse and never done the proms."
Noel Gallagher

The show will be broadcast on BBC Radio 1 from 9pm on 26 October and televised on BBC2 at 22.45pm on the same day.

You’ll be able to watch the performance, all the interviews and photos of the BBC Electric Proms for a week after the festival at www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms

Tickets will go on sale at 8.15am on Tuesday 30 September.

Georgie Rogers

Big Beach Boutique 4

Fatboy Slim rocks 22 000 strong crowd

28 September 2008 - Last time Fatboy Slim played his hometown he got electric shocks off the decks from the rain, but yesterday felt like summer had finally arrived.

A cloudless blue sky line enveloped the 22 thousand strong enclosure Fatboy had deliberately encased with steel fencing this year, to keep the numbers down.

Six years ago 250 thousand people turned up for the party, but this year Norman was taking no chances, with only the yachts moored up at sea getting a free show.

Fatboy told 6 Music this is his last live date of the summer and it’s the perfect end to a busy summer: “I’m not sure if we planned it, or whether it just turned out like that, but this is our 38th of the season. It’s very fitting to end in your home town, this is kind of like our end of term party for the crew.”

"It's very fitting to end in your hometown" - Fatboy Slim

Local Brighton hero Beardyman hosted the event, comparing in between artists, and Fatboy’s fellow label mates including The Whip, who kicked the event off.

The band wrapped up with their signature tune, Trashed, which set the tone for the day. Inflatable fish, beach balls, and fatsuits bounced around the crowd as New York house legend Danny Tenaglia stepped things up a notch.

His new tune The Space Dance was strangely absent from his two hour set though, but he got much love as Norman joined him on stage before he handed over to Layo and Bushwacka.

Beardyman then hooked up with former DMC scratching champion and BattleJam buddy, JFB to warm up for Fatboy, and got the crowd in the mood with some comedy visuals of him on Brighton beach.

Beardy told us he’s a big fan of Norman’s: “ I went to Big Beach Boutique 2, which was the big return, which was obviously massive, and it was just so awesome. I love it,it’s Brighton, it’s my home town and it’s a good mood city, by the sea, everyone’s happy. A lot of hands in the air, smiling faces and it’s a good send off to the summer, ‘cos it’s been a pretty muddy summer.”



Jo Youle

Busta Wins Court Battle

Rapper to play charity show

26 September 2008 - Busta Rhymes has won his high court battle to perform at a charity concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall tonight (26 ^th Sept 08).

He went into the high court in London at two o'clock today and his lawyers had been arguing his case all afternoon.

This comes after he spent 11 hours yesterday in custody. He was stopped as he arrived at London City Airport yesterday morning by armed guards over his US convictions.

The rap star has already been in the country twice this year, including a visit to highlight the Rock Corp concert a few months ago.

The event’s organiser, Steven Greene, has said that all the publicity surrounding Busta’s detention is a mixed blessing.

He told 6 Music: “I want everyone to know about the young people and the work they have done in the community, but Busta had to sit in a detention room for 12 hours yesterday.”



Ruth Mitchell

iPod Tax Proposed

Government may impose levy on music players

26 September 2008 - The idea of an iPod tax is the latest to be bandied about by Ofcom, and Sky Satellite dishes, Freeview boxes and Internet subscriptions could also be subject to a levy.

Falling advertising revenue and an increase in viewers turning to digital channels are being blamed for commercial broadcaster’s reluctance to make non-profitable public service programmes.

The regulator for the UK’s communication industries has suggested that the new tax, imposed by the government, would be used to fund public service shows such as Channel 4 News, Dispatches, children’s programmes, arts shows and regional news.

Consumers not happy

The general consensus from consumers on the tax is overwhelmingly negative. 6 Music spoke to some shoppers on Oxford Street today (26th Sept 08).

One woman was indignant: “Why should we pay more? You pay tax when you buy the item. No, no more!”

Meanwhile a male shopper feels we pay a lot already: “No I wouldn’t really to be perfectly honest, I think there are enough taxes out there existing. You suffer advertising while watching TV, you pay enough to that extent I reckon.”

Computers and CDs face tax too

Consumers could also face a new tax on computers, blank CDs and DVDs under proposals mooted in Ofcom’s review of the future of public service broadcasting and is one of several funding options that have been outlined.

Ofcom awaiting public opinion

Meanwhile an Ofcom spokesperson told 6 Music that they are waiting to hear from you.

They said: “An industry levy is one in a series of funding methods which we are consulting on as part of our review of public service broadcasting. We look forward to hearing what the public and industry think of our proposals.”

So far Apple has declined to comment on the proposal.

The government will not make a final decision on the levy until early next year following Ofcom’s consultation, which closes this December.



Ruth Mitchell

Busta Walks Free

Rapper faces another court hearing

26 September 2008 - The High Court will today rule whether Busta Rhymes will be allowed to remain in the UK and perform at his London gig tonight.

The rapper is scheduled to perform in front of thousands of young volunteers at The Royal Albert Hall for the Orange RockCorps show for charity.

However, last night, after spending 12 hours under armed guard at City airport in London a judge ordered his immediate release. He landed early yesterday morning but was denied entry because it was alleged he had "unresolved convictions in the USA", concert promoter Orange said.

Rhymes, who has already been allowed entry to the UK twice this year, in May and August, has a valid work permit for tonight's Orange RockCorps gig at the Royal Albert Hall, London, where he is due to perform before 5,000 volunteers.

A hearing is due to take place this afternoon at the High Court of Rhymes's application for permission to bring a judicial review challenge over the legality of his detention.

In a statement the 36-year-old rapper said he was determined to play at the concert.

"I came to the UK to perform for all of the Orange RockCorps volunteers who put in time in their community and that's what I'm going to do," he said.

"I am here officially in the UK, and thanks to all parties involved hopefully I will be able to put on an incredible show for the kids."

However, representatives of the star say his appearance at the event will depend on the outcome of the judicial review.

Stephen Greene, co-founder of RockCorps, said: "Busta's release is an extremely welcome development.

"Orange RockCorps has inspired thousands of young Brits to help their community, get involved and make a real difference through a love of music, so we have every confidence the Government will rule in our favour today and allow us to fulfil our promise to these positive young people by allowing Busta Rhymes to perform."


Jo Youle

A club Matter

Unkle and Late Of The Pier open Fabric’s brainchild super duper club under 02

19 September 2008 - Spanning 32,737 square feet Fabric are opening the doors of their offspring tonight (Friday 19 September), a purpose built superclub called Matter.

It holds a whopping 2,600 people and is located underneath the 02 dome complex in London.

Unkle live will kick off proceedings tonight (19 September) and they'll be joined on stage by Stone Roses’ Ian Brown, Ian Astbury, Gavin Clark & Joel Cadbury.

The electronically charged Late Of The Pier and Californian dudes Iglu & Hartley will provide support.

Its been a tumultuous year on the clubbing scene with Turnmills, The Key, The Cross, Canvas - and soon to be The End - closing down.

And what Matter offers that others might not, is the ability to accommodate live music events and club nights by transforming the space.

When room two is opened, the 1,800 capacity space can then hold 2,600 sweaty partygoers.

And the main arena has been built hovering over 80 super powerful transducers so that the sound travels up through the floor.

LED screens and projectors will again enhance the clubbing/live music experience.

There’s even a retractable ceiling which morphs the VIP area into a 300-capacity gig or club space.

As for the décor, walls, floors, DJ booths, bars and tables are all concrete, albeit in a range of varying shades and finishes.

Saturday will see Carl Cox and friends hold the fort at the club situated at the O2, Peninsula Square, SE10.

The nearest tube is North Greenwich and Matter's open from 10am to 7am.

Georgie Rogers

Primal Scream triumph

Kings of Leon, Ronson, Nash, Ting Tings and Spice Girls also crowned by Vodaphone

19 September 2008 - Primal Scream were double winners at last night's Vodaphone Live Music Awards.

The boys walked away with Best Live Act beating the Kaiser Chiefs and they also scooped the gong for Outstanding Contribution to Live Music. 

Held at the Carling Academy in Brixton, the event was hosted by well known presenter Steve Jones and rock starstress Juliette Lewis.

Super producer Mark Ronson took home Best Live Male staving off stiff competition from Dizzee Rascal, Morrissey and Paul Weller.

"It's nice because some awards are not for when people voted but this one is so it makes us feel nice because it's quite an honest award."
The Ting Tings

Meanwhile Kate Nash was awarded Best Live Female and the almighty Kings Of Leon pipped giants such as the Foo Fighters, Jay Z and N*E*R*D to the post for Best International Live Act.

Salford’s new export The Ting Tings were awarded winners of the Xfm Live Breakthrough award.

"We're very happy, we're slightly jetlagged so I don't think it has sunk in yet but it's nice because some awards are not for when people voted but this one is so it makes us feel nice because it's quite an honest award."

After a storming reformation, the Spice Girls beat The Verve to get Best Live Return.

And an excited Emma Bunton, otherwise known as 'Baby Spice', picked it up: "It's just amazing, I feel so honoured that our fans gave us another chance to do this all over again ten years later and obviously having the children there made it extra special. When I'm on stage with the girls though I'm 15 all over again."

See the full list of winners and nominees below:

Live Male : Mark Ronson , Dizzee Rascal, Morrissey, Paul Weller
Live Female : Kate Nash , Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Estelle
Best Live Act: Primal Scream , The Verve, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse
Best Live Return: Spice Girls , Led Zeppelin, The Verve, James
XFM Live Breakthrough Act: The Ting Tings , Glasvegas, Foals, The Wombats
4Music Festival of the Year: T in the Park , Reading/ Leeds, Glastonbury, Latitude
Live and Unsigned Awards: Kiddo360 , Elmor, Transformer, The Volt
Best International Live Act: Kings of Leon , Jay Z, N*E*R*D, the Foo Fighters
Sony Ericsson Tour of The Year: Take That Arena Tour , Sugababes Changes Tour, NME Awards Tour 2008, Girls Aloud Tangled Up Tour
Outstanding Contribution to Live Music: Primal Scream

Georgie Rogers

Andre talks music

Expect a solo album from Andre 3000 and new Outkast in 2009

18 September 2008 - At the fashion showcase of his new Ben Bixby line of clothing Andre 3000 revealed his plans to bring out a new solo album at the start of 2009.

Our 6 Music reporter collared him at Harrods last night (17 September) and the singer wouldn't go on tape, but did talk off the record about his upcoming plans.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music's Rodrigo Davies, amid some rather old fashioned tailoring, he said there'll be a new solo album at the beginning of next year, and that it'll sound "heavy."

He added that there's also more Outkast material to come in 2009.

So there's no sign that Andre's getting too distracted by fashion right now.

"I remember him in all his videos and stuff, it's definitely like he's taken that kind of theatre and turned it into his collections."

As for what some of the fans made of the exuberant Outkast frontman's dabble into the world of fashion, one female fashionista said: "It's quite tongue in cheek a lot of what him and his band do and I think that maybe that's reflected a little bit in the clothing as well.

"He's quite cool and urban and I think that the collection is a bit more preppy and a little bit more Americana, more tailored that we would have expected, but it still has quite a cool edge."

And one gentleman at the launch told 6 Music what he thought: "I remember him in all his videos and stuff, it's definitely like he's taken that kind of theatre and turned it into his collections.

"It's kind of old world but its got a few modern quirks to it - so it's very old, manor house, shooting with the trousers tucked into the knee."

Georgie Rogers

Doves' new sound

Band say new album has country and teutonic leanings and reveal plans for more shows

18 September 2008 - The Doves have emerged from their fourth album hibernation to tell 6 Music all about their long-awaited new record.

The Manchester band just played a mammoth comeback gig in celebration of Heavenly Records at the Royal Festival Hall on Friday 12 September - their first gig in over two years.

Their last offering Some Cities was delivered to the Doves’ lovers back in 2005 and frontman Jimi Goodwin told us they've been working on the new album, which is why no one's heard from them for so long.

Goodwin explained: “We’ve been so absorbed in this record. It took longer than anyone anticipated and we’d never written so many songs as we had for this one. We’ve just been working hard on getting the balance right and trying to justify why we still exist, where we’re going and what this record’s about.”

During the show Goodwin actually said that playing the Royal Festival Hall was their first gig in 2 years and 7 months – something which worried them.

They weren’t sure how their new material would go down: “It’s tough trying to play new tracks, no one knows them and plus we’re only just getting our heads around to play physically. We were worried that it was a sit down gig but no, they seemed to throw out that rule book, everyone was off their seat instantly, it was amazing.”

"I think we’ve got all the classic song structure things nailed, we need a few out there join the dots things now to even the record out, something a big avant garde."
Jimi Goodwin

‘Super country’ sound

Doves showcased four new songs during the show and speaking about the new album’s sound, Goodwin said they have a wealth of material to choose from.

But, the four they played last weekend are likely to make the final cut: “Of the new songs we played they’re defo contenders. We played a song called Winter Hill which is sort of country-ish, Jetstream with Jez singing is quite different for us and it’s quite teutonic, driven, 70s sort of German, very atmospheric.

“And there’s Kingdom of Rust which is like super country, it’s got a shuffle back beat and I’m really proud of that one, I think it’s a really strong song.

“And we played a track called The Outsiders which has got a can-esque drum beat and it just builds and builds and is quite moody.”

More shows planned

Playing live together again went so well that the singer says they're hoping to do some more gigs this side of Christmas.

And they hope to grace their hometown: “We’ve got one more session in November and for better or worse this record it done, we’re gonna master it in December – please God and that’s it. We might even do something at Christmas, just a couple of gigs. I think we owe Manchester a gig this side of Chrimbo.”

In terms of the scheduled release for album number four, Goodwin says they’re aiming for spring next year, with a view for it to be out in March or April 2009.

They’re still finishing some of the writing at the moment: “We’ve got four or five weeks to get those ideas down and we’re gonna write separately for a couple of weeks and then reconvene and see what we’ve got. That’s how we do it these days, everyone brings something to the table and we work on it.”

When asked what’s left to do, Goodwin responded: “It’s too absorbing, we’re all dying to finish it. We just need a couple of key ingredients now. I think we’ve got all the classic song structure things nailed, we need a few out there join the dots things now to even the record out – something a big avant garde, devoid of any verse and chorus, that’s where I’m thinking.”

Clinging to tradition

Jeff Barratt, the founder of Heavenly records has said that its possibly their best album to date.

To which Goodwin replied: “I’m too involved, doing the gig was a great diversion, it gave us a bit of an ego boost and was good to just strap on and play.”

After a period of rehearsing, they're just excited to get the album out there.

But no plans have been made yet for release and Goodwin doesn’t think they’ll be doing a Coldplay or Radiohead – giving material away for nothing or asking fans to pay what they want - when it comes to that.

“I haven’t the foggiest, do you have to pull rabbits out of the hat these days?” the frontman asked. “I just like to think you can still release something and download it or whatever. It’s something we’ve not even discussed yet, still kinda clinging on to the belief that you can go out and tour to death and hopefully someone somewhere gets it.”

Georgie Rogers

Foo Fighters take time out

Grohl and his men won't be back for some time

17 September 2008 - Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has said his band are are taking time out after playing some of the biggest shows of their life at Wembley Stadium.

The band stormed two sold-out nights at the venue, to more than 170,000 people back in June, with special guests Led Zeppelin turning up to join them on stage on their second night.

But Grohl reckons it's time to give the UK a rest while they're on a roll:

"We've never really taken a long break, I think it's time. After doing Wembley, we shouldn't come back there for like 10 years. We're over there every year, every summer, and I think it's time to take a break and come back when people really miss us."

The band have played a series of huge shows over the last three summers in the UK.

Last summer they took on Live Earth alongside Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing a short set, and the summer before, in 2006 they hit London's Hyde Park.

He says the UK is a place the band have has some of their best gigs:

"It's a funny place being in the band now because we've been a band for about 14 years. We've gone from playing the Astoria, to playing Earls Court to playing Wembley. That wasn't really the goal but hey, we'll take it.

The Foo Fighters frontman also said fans shouldn't expect to a see a new album surfacing in the near future.

Jo Youle

Ticket hope

Light at the end of the ticket scammers tunnel as Lloyd’s insurance onboard

15 September 2008 - Several secondary ticket agenicies are clubbing together to provide a more authentic service for ticket buyers.

Confidence was lost when hundreds of people were hit by the ticket scamming company SOS Master Tickets last month (August).

It conned people who’d shelled out their hard earned cash for George Michael, Madonna and a variety of festival tickets - and were never sent the tickets they'd ordered.

The Association of Secondary Ticket Agencies (ASTA) has now joined the Lloyds of London group, which means it’s insured - so if someone's not happy with any of its 52 members, they could ask for a full refund.

Fans who get scammed by secondary ticket agents should be limited with this move, which allows ticket buyers to buy from any of those 52 members with full confidence; placing orders with the knowledge that the ticket will arrive in the post and that full refund facilities will be in place.

Graham Burns, who runs the ASTA, explains why it’s good for fans: “The consumer then has the double guarantee that the person they are dealing with is a member of a bonafide trade association in the United Kingdom, and further is underwritten by Lloyds to the full value of the money they’ve paid.”

And it wouldn’t matter if you paid over the original price, you would get everything back so long as the secondary ticketing agent is a member of the ASTA and are part of Lloyds’ scheme.

“No matter what the face value of the ticket was if the face value was £55 and they paid £100 for it including the postage and packaging, plus this plus that, they would get all of their money back - not just the value of the ticket as sold by the box office and I think that’s an important point,” he told 6 Music.

And it’s answering to a higher body that Burns thinks will make all the difference.

He questioned: “How safe and secure and guaranteed is it if you don’t have comprehensive measures in place that are scrutinised by the financial services authority, independent of your own organisation that needs to be properly overseen?”

"We can see from the events of the last few weeks that it’s of great importance to the consumer that no matter what method they use to pay, they’re covered."
Graham Burns

Fully covered

It was made worse for victims of the ticket scammers that had paid by debit cards, because they were not entitled to the guarantees of credit cards.

Burns says people won't have to depend on paying only with a credit card anymore: “The consumer has always had the credit card guarantee but that hasn’t been a comprehensive guarantee, its only been a guarantee on sales of more than 100 pounds.

“We can see from the events of the last few weeks that it’s of great importance to the consumer that no matter what method they use to pay, they’re covered.”

Words of wisdom

Burns stressed the importance of “trust” and “transparency” and promoting these values in the market place.

He has absolute faith in the Association, saying: “These are bonafide people, operating bonafide offices, to better service their members and it’s all about public education.

“You wouldn’t for instance buy a travel ticket from someone who was not at all registered, particularly in light of the events of the last week.”

Burns went on to offer his advice for all those affected: “Call your local trading standards, make them aware, get online, go to the Scam Busters website which is run by the Government, file a complaint, give as much detail as possible, email us, call us. We will be happy to look into it for you.”

And if you’re looking to use a secondary ticketing service in the future: “Please be aware when you’re buying your ticket of who you’re buying it from. Do your homework. Have a look on the internet, it’s a wonderful resource for information and you can find out very quickly if that person is bonafide or not.”

Have your say and leave 6 Music News your comments.

We want to know if a move like this would make a difference to your confidence when buying tickets from secondary online outlets.

Georgie Rogers

Reprazent to disband

Roni Size reveals album number three may be their last as a collective

15 September 2008 - They've been touring this year as well as working on a third Roni Size Reprazent album, which they say is their last.

Speaking to 6 Music Roni Size says the collective - who were 1997 Mercury Prize winners for their album New Forms - have taken a step back over the last few years, but explained what they have in the pipeline.

“What we’re currently doing is letting people know that, we’re here, we’re back, we’ve got the live show – it’s good energy, high energy and we’re currently in the studio trying to put the finishing touches to the final record.”

But beyond that Roni thinks they will go their separate ways: “We’re gonna do number three, Reprazent album and we’ll see what happens from there. I think that will be our last album and we’ll tour again next year and hopefully we’ll start to make a real impact and people will see what we can bring to the table.”

He explained why he thinks it’s time to wrap it up: “The whole thing about doing Reprazent was different people coming from different groups to form one and I think that there’s people involved in Reprazent who do need their own individual careers, like Dynamite and Onalee.

“Everyone in Reprazent can do their thing and has their own goals so it’s not really fair of me to ask them to keep on representing Roni Size. I need to get into some kind of position where I can help them as well.”

But it won’t be the last we see of the drum ‘n’ bass artist because speaking of his plans once Roni Size Reprazent disband, Roni said: “Hopefully I’ll get some family time, some love time and I’ll still be djing, I’ll still be creating music, I’ll still be hitting the clubs and I’ll still be touring the world and I’ll be doing this for the rest of my life. So, I’m still gonna be visible, wherever, I’ll be there.”

"Everyone in Reprazent can do their thing and has their own goals so it’s not really fair of me to ask them to keep on representing Roni Size."
Roni Size

'It's accepted now'

Drum 'n' Bass is still thriving and Roni claims that it’s here to stay, especially with it being used in a variety of different musical genres.

“The scene is very diverse,” he said. “I think more now than ever the scene has become very commercial now. You have a lot of artists crossing over on a regular basis now and you can hear drum and bass music really now starting to kick-in in indie music and all different forms of music. It’s no longer a new thing it’s accepted now, it has stood the test of time.”

And the DJ from Bristol thinks that the scene is still healthy, particularly in some unexpected corners of the world.

“I think eastern Europe is where it’s going off, places like Estonia, Serbia, definitely places like Slovakia, Prague,” he told 6 Music, “anywhere in Eastern Europe for me is the hot spot. It’s just absolutely incredible, Austria, that’s where it’s going off right now, it’s crazy, tens of thousands of people.”

Georgie Rogers

Glasvegas V Metallica

Scottish band's debut battles one of the world's biggest bands to top the charts

14 September 2008 - Glasvegas go head to head with Metallica for the number one spot in the albums chart this weekend.

The Glaswegian band were tipped to go to the top earlier in the week but it’s been reported that Metallica rushed the release of their fourth album, Death Magnetic, to beat them.

However, Glasvegas guitarist Rab said they weren’t bothered what position they went in at: “We don’t actually care and I mean that genuinely because we’ve shifted a lot of units - more so than what you would normally need to sell to go to number one. And there’s nothing you can do. If it goes to number 2 we’ll be happy. If it goes to number 1 we’ll be happy.”

Glasvegas drummer Caroline seconded that sentiment: “It’s business as usual for us. We’ve got a gig so we’ll be more concerned and focussed on that than any kind of chart position.”

“The amount of albums you sell over a period of time is what matters and the amount of albums we’ve sold shocks me already.” Rab Allen - Glasvegas

Glasvegas’s self titled debut album came out on Monday (8 ^th September) and was hotly anticipated after receiving rave reviews right across the press.

Rab said that the band's priorities now are not their position in the charts: “I don’t think the charts are as important as they used to be,” he said.

“The amount of albums you sell over a period of time is what matters and the amount of albums we’ve sold shocks me already.”

He also didn’t believe it was Metallica themselves who were behind the battle: “I think it was probably the record company who released it [the album] earlier. I’m sure they [Metallica] are not really worried about us. But everyone is trying to make it into this big Oasis versus Blur thing and it’s really funny because I don’t we don’t care where we go genuinely.”

After over 25 years of building a steady fanbase Metallica are the favourites to win the race this week and Rab said they are fully prepared for defeat: “They’re going to sell a lot of albums whenever they release it. Their music does nothing for me but they’re a good band and if they go to number one they go to number one.”

He then added: “I’m going to the bookies to put money on Metallica when I leave here because either way I’m going to win. Either I get money for that or I go to number one.”


Elizabeth Alker

Sugarhill and Dizzee

Reformed Gang on teaming up with UK hip hop star to record song

12 September 2008 - Classic reformed hip hop group Sugarhill Gang are set to collaborate with the big name UK rapper Dizzee Rascal.

Back in October 2007 the rap royalty teamed up on stage, performing at the launch of Sony Walkman's digital music players - but no mention was made of laying down anything on record.

Speaking to 6 Music at a rather wet Bestival on 6 September, the Sugarhill Gang confirmed that something is in the pipeline.

Explaining how they met up with Dizzee Rascal again, Master Gee said: “He came to the States about two months ago.  We ran into him when he invited us to come down to his club in New York and we went down there – wow, kick ass show. The tracks were crazy, they were spittin’ real hard and it’s in the works to do a song with him.”

Connecting with culture

They've also been talking about work on a new record.

The group faded during the 80s after hits Rapper’s Delight, 8 ^th Wonder and Apache, returning only with a third rap album for children called Jump On It! in 1999.

However, they are back on track and say they hope to have a new album out next year.

Speaking about their music, Master Gee says its always had a connection with people: “We are very fortunate to have created the music that we have created, our music is definitely connected to the culture of the world.

“Mainly I think it’s because we come from a party background. Each one of us were MCs and DJs before we became recording artists.”

And Master Gee also claims it’s their party background which helps them write their killer dance floor hits.

He told 6 Music: “When we record, we record from different dimensions and our music affects people in all different ways, and that’s kinda why I think the songs always get people going because it ignites a certain feeling in people’s souls.”

"The tracks were crazy they were spittin’ real hard and it’s in the works to do a song with him."
Master Gee

Road testing already

It sounds like the new album is well underway.

“We've been in the studio with a lot of young and up and coming producers. We’re writing and we’re playing some stuff ourselves. We’re actually premiering and showcasing a lot of the stuff on stage and getting a response. You know whether something is hot or not by the fans who really let you know,” said Master Gee.

And as for who they are working with on the new album, they were trying to keep their cards close to their chest: “We’re leaving all of that up to the imagination. This is our project you know?

“I had kinda stepped away for a good minute and they were all doing a certain thing and we purposely came together to do a new project, so the thing about this project is that it’s kinda like our baby.”

As for when we should expect their latest offering, Master Gee revealed it’s scheduled for the beginning of 2009.

And they’re happy with the result so far: “It’s hot, definitely. You wanna hear some of the stuff then you gotta come to one of the shows.”

Georgie Rogers

New Radiohead details

The band tell 6 Music about their plans to finish another new record

11 September 2008 - Radiohead have announced exclusively to 6 Music that they’re in the process of writing a new album.

After losing out to Elbow for the Mercury Music Prize on Tuesday night (9 September) they told us they’d taken time out of playing live to put new tracks down and would be heading to the studio in the near future.

Colin Greenwood said they'd be heading back into the studio when they'd completed their current world tour: “We’ve finished the main bulk of it and we’re off to Japan in a couple of weeks to finish it off.”

And fully enthused about writing new stuff, Ed O'Brien chimed in: “We’re still talking about doing some stuff and we’re really excited about it. First we came off tour to do some writing and we wanted to just carry on doing it because it was so brilliant.”

"We’ve finished the main bulk of it and we’re off to Japan in a couple of weeks to finish it off." Colin Greenwood

The band didn’t join the other acts in performing at the Mercury Music Awards ceremony earlier in the week

However, they agreed that the Mercury was one of the most important accolades in the music business: “We’ve been on tour in America so we’re culturally a bit out of it but you come here and you realise that actually it’s a bit deal. When you hear Guy Garvey go this means everything to us you go, er, yeah, you’re right. It beats the hell out of the Brits and the other ones.”

Colin and Ed were also really happy that Elbow had won it: “We've been on tour with Elbow we've played festivals with them and they're lovely people. They've made a brilliant record with The Seldom Seen Kid. It really couldn't have happened to more deserving people, but most of the shortlist was great this year.”

Elizabeth Alker

Early Birds Metallica

Death Magnetic album hits shops early

11 September 2008 - Metallica's long-awaited ninth album Death Magnetic has hit shops in the UK early, triggering a chart battle with Glasvegas.

The legendary rockers' latest studio effort was planned for release on Friday, but was made available yesterday after some retailers began selling it early.

It will now go head to head with the debut album from Glaswegian band Glasvegas, who are hotly tipped to be this week's number one.

Martin Talbot from the Official UK Charts Company said:
"Over the last couple of days there's been a bit of a flurry on blogs and message boards from Metallica fans who've been waiting years for this record. Glasvegas has done very well this week, so Metallica have got a bit of catching up to do, but I've no doubt that once the fans are aware that it's out, that there'll be loads of people going out and picking it up."

Glasvegas self-titled album, which was released on Monday, is expected to sell up to 60,000 copies in its first week, Talbot said.

So far Glasvegas two previous singles, Geraldine and Daddy's Gone, have made it into the top 20 in the singles charts. The band came to prominence after winning the Philip Hall Radar prize at the NME awards in February.

Metallica's Death Magnetic is the band's first album in five years and has been seen as an attempt to recapture their late 1980s period, which saw the highly-praised release And Justice For All.

Their latest album leaked online last week after a French record shop reportedly starting selling it early. But the band, which filed a lawsuit against sharing service Napster in 2000 and has spoken out against online piracy on many occasions, said it wasn't worried by the leak.

Metallica will play an exclusive show at the BBC Radio theatre on September 14, which will be broadcast on Radio 1 the following day.

Rodrigo Davies

Fun Lovin Silence

Criminals play to headphone-clad Londoners

10 September 2008 - The Fun Lovin Criminals played a 'silent gig' at London's Koko tonight in which the only sound was heard through headphones.

The drummer, Frank Benbini, was in a soundproof box while singer/guitarist Huey and bassist Fast were amplified direct to audience members through each person's headphones.

The Criminals tore through their greatest hits, including Scooby Snacks, Loco and the Fun Lovin Criminals theme, to which the audience sang almost every word. Fans were divided on whether listening through headphones made the experience more or less enjoyable though, with some complaining that the music wasn't loud enough.

The Silent Disco concept was invented in Holland by DJ OD, who played a selection of well-worn party favourites on the night.

The event was originally planned to take place at the Royal Courts of Justice – and would have been the first rock gig ever to be held there – but was moved to Koko to allow more people to attend.

It's been twelve years since the Fun Lovin Criminals' hit album Come Find Yourself, but lead singer Huey said in an interview before the gig that they're working on new material and expect to release a new album next year.

The band is no stranger to odd venues – their next gig is at a Harley Davidson motorbike event in Lake Garda, Italy.

The Silent Disco organisers will stage their next events in Brighton, where several bands including Supergrass will play silently.

Rodrigo Davies

Underworld freebies

Dance duo are giving away new songs in online broadcast

10 September 2008 - Underworld are following in the steps of Radiohead by giving tracks from their new album away for free.

The band will give away tracks as they are written by playing them on their online radio show, beginning with a broadcast tonight (10 September) live from the Isle of Wight at 8pm with special guest Rob Da Bank.

Speaking exclusively to 6 Music Karl from the band explained why internet releases work so well for the music industry.

“It actually feels like the right medium for an artist to work in,” he said. “We can control when and how to publish everything from a physical release that goes through a shop to, ‘here’s something we made last night on the bus,’ that we put out for free.

“We can make a web radio show or web television shows from the concerts. All of those things enable us to just feel like we’re in a system which suits an artist much better than the old system did.”

It’s been a year since Underworld’s seventh album release Oblivion With Bells but the band have been touring almost solidly for two years to fund their multi-platform output including freebies for fans.

"We can control when and how to publish everything from a physical release that goes through a shop to 'here’s something we made last night on the bus'."

As well as their online broadcasts and videos, online diary, touring and festival performances - Underworld have been appearing as both musicians and artists at art galleries around the world.

At the beginning of August they exhibited at the Jacobson Howard Gallery in New York for eight days to coincide with their concerts in the city.

Last year the band curated their own exhibition in Tokyo where they invited other bands to play alongside them.

They also indulged their love of art by publishing a free monthly art magazine on their website.

With such a busy schedule, Underworld occasionally yearn for less complex times.

Karl explains: “There are some days when Rick and I get up and go; ‘Shall we just like forget all this and write some songs and put some records out?!’ But in truth, we are where we want to be.”

“We’ve always wanted to have this freedom,” he continues. “We’ve always really been outsiders – particularly for the last 18 years. We’ve always been outside of the mainstream way of doing things.

“It’s never suited us to be entirely locked into that. Now we have that choice it feels like home to us. But it is an enormous amount of work!”

Visit www.underworldlive.com to listen to all their online broadcasts.

Juliette Burton

Elbow's Mercury Win

Manchester band trump favourite Burial, Radiohead

09 September 2008 - Elbow won this year’s coveted Nationwide Mercury Music Prize, fighting off tough tough competition from the hot favourite, Burial.

The award, worth £20,000, was presented to the Manchester-based quintet at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel by Jools Holland, for their fourth album, The Seldom Seen Kid.

Gary Garvey, Elbow’s singer, said:
“This is quite literally the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know I’m supposed to be cool but this is one of the best things that’s ever happened.”

The band was previously nominated in 2001 for their debut, Asleep in the Back. They dedicated tonight’s award to Bryan Glancy, a Manchester musician and friend of the band who died in 2006.

On the night Elbow performed The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver from The Seldom Seen Kid, a record that also features former Mercury nominee Richard Hawley on the track The Fix. Its release was delayed for two years as the band changed record labels.

Garvey told 6 Music:
“Literally all day today I’ve been thinking I don’t mind who wins. I was over the moon as it was, and this takes the cake. It’s like a really good Kate Bush record, my life at the moment.”

Ahead of the announcement, Burial was the clear favourite among the bookies, with Radiohead and Elbow joint second-favourites. Neither Burial nor Radiohead performed on the night, and Burial didn’t attend the event.

Dubstep artist Burial’s identity had been a closely guarded secret until he was announced as one of the nominees for tonight’s award. Shortly after he unmasked himself on his Myspace page as South Londoner Will Bevan.

Radiohead were beaten to the award for the fourth time. They missed out most notably in 1997 when the universally acclaimed OK Computer lost out to Roni Size’s New Forms. Bassist Colin Greenwood and Guitarist Ed O’Brien were at the awards bash and told 6 Music before the result was announced that they didn’t expect to win:

"I think it would be so embarrassing if we won. We’ve just been on tour and people told us we made a great record, but we don’t need that. Someone else does."

Radiohead’s In Rainbows, the seventh studio outing for the band, attracted worldwide attention after the band chose to release it online and allowed fans to choose the price they paid for it.

The most dramatic entrance to tonight’s event was undoubtedly that of Neon Neon – the collaboration between Super Furry Animals’ frontman Gruff Rhys and American producer Boom Bip. The duo, whose Stainless Style album was based around the life of John De Lorean, arrived in two De Lorean cars.

Klaxons won the award last year for Myths of the Near Future, beating off competition from Amy Winehouse and two former winners, Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal.


Rodrigo Davies

New Razorlight song

Johnny Borrell and co. unveil their next single from the forthcoming album

09 September 2008 - The newest Razorlight single Slipway Fires is coming – released on 3 November on Vertigo Mercury.

It's their first song from their third offering, Wire to Wire, which is set for release on 26 September as a download followed by the physical release on 27 October.

The single got its first 6 Music airing this morning on Sean Keaveny’s Breakfast Show .

Speaking about the album - which was recorded with Mike Crossey in North London - frontman Johnny Borrell says: "We recorded onto tape, the whole thing took about six weeks. We wanted to make a record without any studio trickery, without too much production."

The band – whose second album Razorlight debuted at number 1 in the UK, are thrilled with the result, says drummer Andy Burrows: "The album's finished and we're all in a really good place. I can't wait for us to get out and play it live."

In early October Razorlight – who’ve had several top 10 singles - are due to play a show at the Forum in Kentish Town.

Georgie Rogers

Behind the Mercurys

Find out more about the 12 Mercury nominees by listening to a special series of reports by 6 Music

08 September 2008 - In the twelve days leading up to the Mercury Music prize ceremony 6 Music have been running special reports giving a more detailed insight into the twelve acts shortlisted for the prestigious prize.

You can listen to them again by following the links below.

ADELE , 19

Persistently tagged ‘the next Amy Winehouse’, Adele Adkins was propelled into public consciousness hot on the heels of Lily Allen and Kate Nash. But the former Brit School student lived up to the hype by winning the critics choice Brit Award in February.

“There has been a lot of hype, and I think hype is the worst thing, but the hype has come from hometown glory, so it’s not like people are talking about me and they haven’t heard my music.”

Listen to the full story here .


ALISON KRAUSS & ROBERT PLANT , Raising Sand

The Led Zeppelin singer has a longer recorded history than any other nominee this year, but has put aside his rock legend status to team up with bluegrass vocalist Alison Krauss.

“When I first got a call from him I was trying to put the baby to sleep so I had to talk really quietly and not sounded excited at all, so I wouldn’t wake the baby up. And he said ‘Well, I’ll be going now.’”

Listen to the full story here .


BURIAL, Untrue

Radio One’s dubstep queen Mary Ann Hobbs was one of the only people who knew the real identity of the anonymous producer Burial.

She told 6 Music: “This is what people have found so enchanting about Burial, the fact that he is such an incredibly mysterious character. He guards his privacy very, very closely and even within the dubstep scene itself, nobody really know what he looks like. There’s only about four of us in the world who know.”

However, soon after the nominations were revealed, the musician came forward and revealed his identity on his Myspace page with a message and a photo.

His statement read: “Over the last year the unknown thing became an issue so I’m not into it any more. I’m a low key person I just want to make some tunes and nothing else. My name’s Will Bevan I’m from south London I’m just keeping my head down and I’m just gonna go and finish my next album.”

Listen to the full story here .


ESTELLE, Shine

The female UK MC Estelle sprang from performing in London clubs with the likes of Roots Manuva.

She exploded onto the scene this year with her album Shine but unbeknown to most, she’s been knocking on the doors of the big wigs for years.

Her big break came in 2004 when she released her solo debut album, The 18 ^th Day but it is only really now that she is getting full recognition.

And it’s about time, says Dizzee Rascal: “Her story is good because she’s another one from the underground, upwards, working for so long. She’s been doing this for years and the world is watching her now, finally.”

Listen to the full story here .


ELBOW, The Seldom Seen Kid

We explore Elbow’s standing as a ‘band’s band’, looking into their commitment to songwriting which has earned them respect from other artists.

The self-depreciating vocalist Guy Garvey told 6 Music about the first time he heard that they were considered a ‘band’s band’: “When you’re a bass player out of work, or a drummer out of work or whatever, you put a sign up in the local guitar shop and if a band put one of those signs up saying, ‘influences include’ - its got to be bands that all of the members of the group agree on because you don’t wanna send out the wrong single. We always appeared on those which is great, and really flattering.”

Listen to the full story here .


LAURA MARLING, Alas I Cannot Swim

This talented female was just 16 when she started to get noticed and told us: “I started writing when I was a nipper and I started playing guitar when I was even more a nipper, when I was about 5, my dad plonked a guitar in my hand and I very willingly started playing it. And then I released two EP’s, one of which wasn ’t very good and one which was alright and then that album’s out.”

Recorded in a month and a half in West London, the stunning offering Alas I Cannot Swim was produced by the Noah And The Whale frontman Charlie Fink and Laura Marling’s one-time boyfriend.

Fink sang her praises when speaking to 6 Music: “It was just amazing seeing her progression over that year, the way she went from writing the songs she had at the start to writing the songs that got put on the album. It was phenomenal the distance she covered and it was great to be part of that, to have helped and been part of that process, it’s definitely something I’m gonna be very proud of for a while.”

Listen to the full story here .


NEON NEON , Stainless Style

One of the least conventional releases on this year’s list comes from a collaboration between Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys, and American producer Boom Bip. The duo’s cosmic, electronic affair follows the life story of John De Lorean, maker of the De Lorean car featured in the Back to the Future films.

Rhys explained how De Lorean came about: “Boom Bip presented me with these rather glassy sounding beeps and I couldn’t really project anything from my life onto those beeps and make it sound in any way credible.”

Listen to the full story here .


PORTICO QUARTET , Knee-Deep In The North Sea

These four Londoners give Jazz gets a very modern twist on record, but also gained a lot of attention and a dedicated fanbase by busking outside the National Theatre on the capital’s South Bank.

Milo from the band said: “We offer something different and maybe that plays a part in it. We’ve gone more of an indie way by playing bars and student venues, it isn’t really very normal for a jazz quartet to go that route.”

Listen to the full story here .


RACHEL UNTHANK & THE WINTERSET , The Bairns

All but unknown outside the folk scene, the four women from Northumberland led by Rachel Unthank are seen as the bright lights for a new folk generation. They’re bidding to be the first artists from the genre to win the prize.

Rachel said: “As far as music awards go, it’s one of the best because it’s about albums, it’s about music and not about how popular you are. It opens it up to the public at large to have a listen and see if they like what they hear.”

Listen to the full story here .


RADIOHEAD , In Rainbows

Denied the prize three times in the past, the Oxfordshire quintet’s seventh album boasts not only critical acclaim but also the unique claim to have allowed listeners to choose the price they paid for it. In Rainbows’ unconventional online release caused a stir and prompted a huge number of artists to rethink the way they release music.

Bassist Colin Greenwood said: “Our background is art school. We’re not music players, we’re inspired the music around us.”

Listen to the full story here .


THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS , Age of the Understatement

Alex Turner already has one Mercury prize under his belt as part of Arctic Monkeys, but his side project with Rascals’ singer Miles Kane had an even more meteoric rise to prominence than the Arctics. The album also had a more complex musical style, employing an orchestra and the services of Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford as producer and drummer.

Matt Helders from the Arctic Monkeys said: “It’s obviously different to what we do. It’s more epic, it sounds instantly more classic, like a big album.”

Listen to the full story here .


Rodrigo Davies and Georgie Rogers

Britney Storms MTV

Spears scoops trio of awards as Russell Brand courts controversy

08 September 2008 - Britney Spears made a triumphant comeback at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, winning a trio of prizes including best video, best pop video and best female video.

Spears' Piece of Me won her awards in all the categories she was nominated for. She didn’t perform at the awards, instead she took part in a short comedy sketch alongside Superbad actor Jonah Hill and received a standing ovation.

The awards in Los Angeles had a better reception than last year's ceremony, which attracted controversy for appearing to be under-rehearsed and mimed.

Spears repeatedly thanked God, her family and her recently re-hired manager Larry Rudolph in her acceptance speeches.

"I’m speechless," Spears said on accepting her award for Best Pop Video, presented by Paris Hilton. "Firstly I want to thank God for blessing me like this, my beautiful family, Jive Records, Barry Wise, Larry Rudolph for always believing in me, and of course all of my fans. Thank you so much. This means a lot."

"After all this glory, for god's sake, don't die." Russell Brand congratulates Britney Spears

Host of the ceremony Russel Brand congratulated Britney saying: "You have conquered the whole of the VMA awards. You stand above it as a colossus. You’re certainly back, you look more beautiful than ever, it’s wonderful!"

He added, "After all this glory for God’s sake don’t die!"

Brand made some typically controversial statements during his opening speech at the awards. Brand openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama in a sexually charged monologue.

Brand said "Could I please ask of you, people of America, please elect Barack Obama. Some people, I think they’re called racists, say America is not ready for a black president."

The host went on to say, "I know America to be a forward-thinking country because, otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?”

Brand’s comments were met by nervous applause from the American audience.

Others to appear at the awards included Christina Aguilera who performed Then And Now dressed all in black. Last year’s big winner Rihanna sang Disturbia and Seven Nation Army and Pink’s performance of her new song So What was lit by a backdrop of pyrotechnic wizardry.

Earlier in the evening Paramore sang Sunset Strip and Whiskey A Go Go. Kid Rock, The Ting Tings, and teenage favourites the Jonas Brothers also performed.

Katie Perry sang her summer hit I Kissed A Girl with Travis Barker on accompanying on drums as well as covering Madonna’s Like A Virgin.

Chris Brown won Best Male Video for With You. Linkin Park won Best Rock Video for Shadow Of The Day and Lil Wayne won Best Hip Hop Video for Lollipop. Tokio Hotel won Best New Artist and Pussycat Dolls won Best Dancing In A Video for When I Grow Up.

Kanye West closed the ceremony with a debut performance of his new song. West vowed last year never to return to the MTV Video Music Awards after failing to win any awards but was welcomed back this year with his closing performance.

Juliette Burton

Amy's Shoddy Set

Amy disappoints and The Specials and Grace Jones surprise Bestival

07 September 2008 - Amy Winehouse disappointed fans at Bestival with a lack lustre headline performance on the main stage last night (Saturday 06 September).

The singer turned up 45 minutes late and mumbled her way through half a set.

Onlookers said Amy appeared bored and miserable: "She looks dreadful and she can’t sing any more it's very, very sad," commented one fan.

And another joined the chorus of disappointment: "It was awful. She needs to go straight back to rehab. I've never seen her before but it struck me as quite solemn and sad."

When Amy finally did make it to the stage she looked frail and sounded incoherent and stumbled her way through the first few tracks with patchy applause.

"It was awful. She needs to go straight back to rehab. I've never seen her before but it struck me as quite solemn and sad." Bestival punter on Amy Winehouse

People shouted out encouragement from the crowd and things seemed to pick up during Back to Black but it was the only highlight of her 45 minute set.

Curiosity seemed to hold most of the audience in place, but, as Amy herself shouted at the crowd, they weren't really bothered whether or not she finished the performance.

One festival goer insisted her live show has taken a turn for the worse as her personal problems continue to affect every aspect of her life: "She’s not as good as she was 18 months ago," he said.

"I feel worried for her to be honest. Going out there she was struggling and I saw her up close – her face didn’t look brilliant.”

Elsewhere at Bestival members of The Specials reformed for an impromptu set.

Organiser Rob da Bank had been teasing punters with the promise of mystery guests and both The Specials (albeit without Jerry Dammers) and Grace Jones made surprise appearances.


Elizabeth Alker

Bestival weather warning

Forecasters predict a soggy start to the weekend

05 September 2008 - Forecasters have issued a weather warning for the Isle of Wight - as Bestival kicks off, with the worst of it expected today.

Thunder storms are predicted tonight and heavy rain is brewing this afternoon with strong winds also expected, campers are facing a battle of the elements with 45 mph gusts heading for Robin Hill Park.

It’s not all bad news though, and tomorrow and Sunday will be brighter according to Met Weather forecaster Helen Chivvers:

“We should see the sun coming out on Saturday, and also at times on Sunday, so it won’t be a complete wash out, but we do have a Met office weather warning for 20-40mm of rain during today, most of that should fall by mid afternoon, but we will see some heavy showers and possibly some thunder storms coming along this evening, as we go through Saturday n Sunday I think more in the way of showers, and there will be some sunshine, but certainly very wet under foot.”

Bestival boss Rob Da Bank reckons his team are ready for it though and says measures have been taken to tackle the conditions.

Writing in his blog the DJ-turned-promoter says:

"Don't want to get too British and bang on about the weather but we may be in for a slightly damp one for the first time at Bestival – but hey ho we're ready and the theme is '30,000 Freaks Under The Sea', so it's all my fault."

One lady looking forward to donning her finest though is Ida Maria:

“I’m gonna dress up like a transvestite, but then I have to become a male first and then get female and that’s a bit tricky. I will see what I can do. I really wonder if my band will cross dress, my bass player he loves my dresses, he is the same size, we have fancy dress parties all the time.”

6 Music will be bringing you regular updates thoughout the weekend, so keep checking back for all the latest backstage gossip, and weather reports.


Jo Youle

Coldplay Lead Q Noms

They're up for four awards, including Best Act In The World Today

2 September 2008 - Coldplay score for nominations at this year’s Q Awards, leading a pack that includes U2, Oasis, Muse, Metallica and Kings of Leon.

Chris Martin’s outfit are up for four nominations - Best Act In The World Today, Best Track, Best Video and Best Album at the annual event.

Other multiple nominees include The Ting Tings are also up for three gongs (Best New Act, Best Track and Best Video), while newcomers Fleet Foxes, The Last Shadow Puppets and Vampire Weekend are in the running for two apiece.

Coldplay score for nominations at this year’s Q Awards, leading a pack that includes U2, Oasis, Muse, Metallica and Kings of Leon

The awards take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park Lane, London on October 6.

The full list of nominees for the Q Awards is:

Breakthrough Artist
Duffy
Adele
Santogold
Bon Iver
Gabriella Cilmi

Best New Act
Fleet Foxes
Glasvegas
The Ting Tings
The Last Shadow Puppets
Vampire Weekend

Best Track
Keane - Spiralling
Duffy - Mercy
Coldplay - Violet Hill
Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name

Best Video
Hot Chip - Ready To The Floor
Coldplay - Violet Hill
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Goldfrapp - Happiness

Best Live Act
Kaiser Chiefs
Kings Of Leon
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
The Verve
Rage Against The Machine

Best Album
Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death Or And All His Friends
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Nick Cave And The Band Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!

Best Act In The World Today
Coldplay
Oasis
Muse
Metallica
Kings Of Leon

Matt Everitt