Beach Boys planning new album for 50th anniversary

Email this story Printable version In the on-again/off-again festivities to celebrate the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary, Mike Love says the recording of a new album is on. Love has told Billboard that the album will involve all of the remaining members of the group and is only in the planning stages at this time. "Where we're at right now is Brian (Wilson)'s written some songs, I've written some songs (and) we're talking very seriously about getting together and co-writing and doing some new music together," Love tells Billboard.com. "He's been doing his own touring, we've been doing ours and so we haven't really been able to lock into that, but it looks like this fall we will. It just makes a lot of sense with a milestone such as 50 years to get together and do something." The last album released by the group was 1996's Stars and Stripes Volume 1. Love also has floated the possibility of at least one, if not more, live performances with original members Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine. He did carefully avoid including Wilson in his statement, although Brian's participation is not totally out of the question. More from VVN Music To be in with a chance of winning 1000 CDs including rare, signed and promotional copies simply 'like' our Award Winning facebook page here! And double your chances by following us on Twitter Follow @MusicNewsWeb For all DVD, Blu-Ray and other film related prizes visit our sister site film-news.co.uk competitions page here. Good luck!

Amy Winehouse may have died because she stopped drinking alcohol

Email this story Printable version At present the 'Rehab' singer's cause of death is unknown but it is possible her decision to try and quit booze completely after years of heavy drinking could have caused her body a shock or seizure which killed her at her home in Camden, north London, last Saturday (23.07.11). A source said: "Abstinence gave her body such a fright they thought it was eventually the cause of her death." Reports had suggested the 27-year-old star had been drinking heavily and had possibly taken drugs in the days leading up to her death, but her father Mitch has refuted the claims, insisting the opposite is true. The source added to The Sun newspaper: "He has wanted everyone to know that he, her boyfriend Reg Traviss and her manager believed it was actually the complete opposite. "He said doctors had told Amy to gradually reduce her intake of alcohol and to avoid bingeing at all costs. Amy told him she couldn't do that. It was all or nothing and she gave up completely. "Mitch said the shock of giving up, after everything she had been through over a bad few years, was just too much for her to take." A post-mortem was held on Monday (25.07.11), the day before Amy's funeral, to try and determine the cause of her death but the results were deemed inconclusive and medical officials are awaiting the results of histology and toxicology tests. Police have now begun probing into what Amy was between 8pm on Friday night (22.07.11) and 4pm the next day when she was discovered deceased by one of her security guards. A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "She had a chaotic lifestyle and often she would head out late at night or even in the early hours of the morning to see friends. "No one really knows what she did after she was checked on by her doctor at 8pm and before she was found dead at 4pm the next day. "There is a possibility she left her home at some point during the evening, and some of her friends believe she may have headed out later." To be in with a chance of winning 1000 CDs including rare, signed and promotional copies simply 'like' our Award Winning facebook page here! And double your chances by following us on Twitter Follow @MusicNewsWeb For all DVD, Blu-Ray and other film related prizes visit our sister site film-news.co.uk competitions page here. Good luck!

Quick quips: Pete Townshend, Kate Bush, ZZ Top, Bon Scott, Linda Ronstadt, Jose Feliciano, Gil Bernal, Rush

Email this story Printable version Pete Townshend took to his blog to refute recent comments by Roger Daltrey about the current state of his hearing. "My hearing is actually better than ever, because after a feedback scare at the O2 Indigo in December 2008 I am taking good care of it. I'm 66, I don't have perfect hearing, and if I listen to loud music or go to gigs I do tend to get tinnitus. DON'T WE ALL????" He also confirmed that he is continuing work on the Quadrophenia deluxe edition, saying that he is engineering the album along with some younger engineers who can work on the higher frequencies that are now out of his range of hearing. The plans are for the Who to go on the road next year playing the album. An executive from EMI has told an Australian newspaper that an album of new material by Kate Bush should see release in November. He added "Of course, you can never be sure with Kate Bush. She does things at her own pace. But we've been told to prepare for a November release." Bush's last album of new material was 2005's Aerial. She released Director's Cut in May which contained ten reworked tracks from her albums The Sensual World and The Red Shoes. Billy Gibbons has told Mojo magazine that the upcoming ZZ Top album, produced by Rick Rubin, has a classic sound. "'t sounds and feels like Tres Hombres, with a few elements of the Eliminator period thrown in. A pretty wide range, from basic blues to slightly more fancy stuff." Bon Scott's life is being replayed in a number of forms. The late-AC/DC singer was the subject of a play recently in Australia and, now, the government is funding a biopic. Directing the film will be Eddie Martin. Scott was with the group from 1974 until his death in 1980. It has been announced that Linda Ronstadt and Jose Feliciano will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Latin Grammys. The awards are November 9 in Las Vegas. Sax player Gil Bernal, who performed with the likes of Spike Jones and Lionel Hampton and played on the Robins' Smokey Joe's Cafe and Duane Eddy's Rebel Rouser, has passed away at the age of 80. He also worked with Ry Cooder including Buena Vista Social Club. Rush's new DVD, Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland, has been rescheduled from September 27 to October 25. More from VVN Music To be in with a chance of winning 1000 CDs including rare, signed and promotional copies simply 'like' our Award Winning facebook page here! And double your chances by following us on Twitter Follow @MusicNewsWeb For all DVD, Blu-Ray and other film related prizes visit our sister site film-news.co.uk competitions page here. Good luck!

Jane’s Addiction prepare new single

Email this story Printable version Reunited alt-rock heroes Jane's Addiction wind up for their first single in seven years 'Irresistible Force'. There's been a lot of excitement brewing about the new album from Perry Farrell, Dave Navarro and Steve Perkins and now they've announced that their new single 'Irresistible Force' will hit radio on August 4 and be available to buy on August 5. Their fourth album, The Great Escape Artist, was put together by the three core members, plus bassist from 2004's Strays Chris Chaney, as well as TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek also playing bass and writing. It's been produced by Rich Costey, who has worked with Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, apt since Farrell told Rolling Stone that it the latest incarnation of the band is 'a strange mixture of that post-punk Goth darkness that Jane's had, with what's going on today with groups like Muse and Radiohead.' The Great Escape Artist will be released on September 23, but the band will play Splendour In The Grass this weekend so expect the hype to build even more More from Undercover.com.au

Grace Jones to release new album 'Hurricane Dub'

Email this story Printable version a Off the back of her standout signature performance at London's Wireless Festival on July 3rd, Wall Of Sound announce Hurricane Dub, a special edition version of Grace Jones' seminal return to form album of 2008, due for release 5th September 2011 Her first album since 1989's Bulletproof Heart, Hurricane, a masterpiece record was supported by a major international tour, receiving overwhelming praise from audiences and critics alike. The dub version of the album brings a new, dark dynamic to her signature vocals and crashing base lines. An icon of our time, for the artwork of Hurricane Dub, Grace has once again teamed up with her once creative partner, Jean-Paul Goude, to deliver a striking cover image, wearing a trade mark Philip Treacy hat. Track listing CD1 1. This Is 2. William's Blood 3. Corporate Canniba 4. I'm Crying (Mother's Tears) 5. Well Well Well 6. Hurricane 7. Love You To Life 8. Sunset Sunrise 9. Devil In My Life CD2 1. This Is Dub 2. William's Dub 3. Cannibal Dub 4. Well Well Well Dub 5. Crying Dub 6. Hurricane Dub 7. Love You To Life Dub 8. Sunset Dub 9. Devil Dub 10. Hell Dub Album produced by Ivor Guest.

Beyonce's dad denies being fired for stealing money

Email this story Printable version Beyoncé Knowles' father and former manager Mathew Knowles has denied she fired him because he stole money from her. The pair's working relationship came to an end in March of this year when Beyonce relieved Mathew of his services but did not provide a reason at the time, just insisting that she loved her father. However in documents obtained by TMZ, Mathew claims that concert promotion company Live Nation Entertainment wanted to ensure closer working ties with the Single Ladies star and fabricated that he had stolen from his daughter. The papers state that Live Nation told Beyonce her father 'had stolen money from [her] on her most recent tour or otherwise taken funds that [he] was not entitled to'. Beyonce then reportedly ordered her law firm to conduct an audit and the legal personnel apparently concluded that Mathew had unlawfully taken money from her and he was promptly fired. Mathew is fighting back at the allegations and wants a judge to allow him to take depositions from various Live Nation staffers to reveal how they concluded he had been dishonest. The father-of-three had guided Beyonce's career from the time she was a child and built the group she started out in, Destiny's Child, to the huge worldwide phenomenon it became. Beyonce continues to work with her mother Tina Knowles who is her stylist and business partner in their fashion company House of Deréon.

Victoria Beckham says family now ‘complete’

Email this story Printable version Victoria Beckham has insisted she will be having no more children as her family is now 'complete', according to a source. The 37-year-old gave birth to daughter Harper Seven on Sunday morning in Los Angeles with mother and baby said to be doing 'really well'. Her soccer ace husband David revealed their daughter's much anticipated name on his Facebook page just hours after the birth. The couple, who already have sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and six-year-old Cruz, have reportedly agreed their family is a perfect size following the arrival of their new bundle of joy. Victoria is also thought to have suffered with a bad pregnancy, including back pain and bunions, and is resolute about not wanting to put her body through any more strain. "With three great boys and now a beautiful girl Victoria is insisting their family is complete,' a source told British newspaper The Sun. 'Victoria is determined not to have to go through that again." The Beckham's daughter, who weighed a healthy 7lb. 10oz., is believed to be named after a Disney character all three of their sons love. The kids are apparently hooked on hit US TV show Wizards Of Waverly Place, which stars Selena Gomez. Harper Finkle is the name of one of the leading characters, played by Jennifer Stone. "The boys love Wizards Of Waverly Place - and have been very vocal in helping to name their new sister. David and Victoria think it is a lovely name. The whole family is pleased with the choice - the boys are very happy," a source explained. The middle name Seven was chosen because of its significance during the birth. The number was also David's number when he played for Manchester United and England. "Seven is something they had talked about. They were still not certain when the baby was born but it all seemed to fall into place,' the source added. 't just seemed right. David is keen on the meanings and power of numbers. We all hope it will bring her luck." All three of Harper's brothers have made her a gift to welcome her into the world. Brooklyn compiled a CD of lullabies, Romeo painted a picture of the family, and Cruz made a pink clay pot. The name Harper has been used by celebrities prior to the Beckhams, including Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, who named his two-year-old daughter Harper.

Quick quips: George Michael, Morrissey, C.E. Hodges, Hilly Krystal, Megadeth

Email this story Printable version Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George MichaelGeorge Michael will be interviewed by British authorities on the current phone hacking schedule that caused the shutdown of the paper News of the World. Michael tweeted over the weekend that he had a past confrontation with certain people of interest in the scandal. VH1 has declared 11-11-11 as National Metal Day and will lead up to it with a number of days of metal themed programming. On the actual day, they will premier the documentary series Metal Evolution at 10 PM. Morrissey was recently attacked by a dog, sustaining hand and arm injuries. The attack occurred in England but he didn't have the injuries examined until after his performance in Malmo, Sweden. X-Rays showed a cracked bone at the end of his index finger on his right hand. In other Morrissey news, the singer's upcoming show at the London Palladium sold out in five minutes. Take It to the AltarThe Rev. C.E. Hodges, organist in Willie Mitchell's Hi Rhythm Section, is releasing his second album. God He's Able is a traditional gospel album and the followup to his 2006 debut Take It To the Alter. ''ve been blessed to play for some of the most prominent artists in the world. I've stood beside them as they entertained audiences of thousands here in the United States and across the seas,' said Hodges. ' know what it feels like to be at the top and because of my past drug abuse, I've been at the bottom. I lost everything but the Lord told me he'd give it all back to me if I lived my life for him. I did that and he kept his promise. Even in my 60's people are still requesting to hear me play. If there's anything I've learned, it's God's Able.' The estate of Hilly Kristal has decided to sell the assets of the CBGB brand. There has been much infighting among family members since Kristal died in 2007; however, this decision will bring an end to the squabbling and allow the buyer to use the CBGB name in possibly franchising clubs, licensing the name and images, using the hundreds of hours of audio and video from the club's long history and other products. Megadeth have named their upcoming album Thirt3en. Look for it in November.

Cheryl Cole and ex-husband Ashley planning a second honeymoon

Email this story Printable version The couple ' who divorced in 2010 after he was revealed to have had a string of affairs ' are to take a romantic holiday to South Africa with the blessing of Cheryl's mother Joan, who is beginning to warm to the idea of them reuniting. However, the 28-year-old singer's ex-boyfriend Derek Hough - who dated her following her break-up with Ashley - is said to be upset they are visiting Africa, where he took her twice last year. However, their trip ended badly as Cheryl caught malaria during the break and was hospitalised with the potentially fatal disease upon her return to the UK. A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "It's a kick in the teeth. The poor man has been unceremoniously dumped by Cheryl and now she and Ashley are off to Africa which Derek used to call 'their place'." Initially soccer player Ashley wanted to take her to the Caribbean but Joan intervened, suggesting Africa would be a wiser choice. The source added: "When he mentioned taking her away to Jamaica, Joan said it was a good idea. "But she said he would be better off choosing somewhere like South Africa because she knows Cheryl loves the place. "Joan appears to be warming to Ashley again ' for the time being." Last week, Cheryl headed to Los Angeles with her Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh for some time away. A representative confirmed: "Cheryl is taking some time out as she said on her website last month."

Pixie Lott, Ash, and The Futureheads will appear at Tramlines Festival in Sheffield

Email this story Printable version The artists will be among over 600 acts to play across the city for free between July 22 and 24, in a showcase of both big names and up-and-coming acts from a cross section of genres, from heavy metal to dubstep. Making extra-special appearances at the event will be a number of mystery local stars who will collaborate for a one off performance to open the festival on the Nokia Unannounced Stage, located at the city's Barkers Pool, on the Friday (22.07.11). Sarah Nulty ' one of the organisers of the festival - said: "Tramlines will start in style with some of Sheffield's musical heroes on the Nokia Unannounced Stage. "We're very excited to see the special moments featuring both established and up-and-coming acts emerge from the Nokia Unannounced Tent." The stage will then run throughout the weekend with more collaborations, acoustic performances and a silent disco. The identities of acts opening the Unannounced Stage will be revealed at 9am on Friday July15 on Nokia's Facebook page, where fans can also win prizes including guaranteed entry to Tramlines and an event of their choice, a chance to meet the Unannounced Stage artists and more: facebook.com/nokia.uk