Photo: Paolo Nutini

Kasabian played the first of three massive sold out shows at Wembley Stadium last night, with the other two performances taking place over the weekend. They’re billed as the gigs of the decade and Serge Pizzorno pinpoints the trio of dates as the focal point of the summer.

Their epic new single ‘Where Did All The Love Go?’ comes out August 17, 2009. Wait until you see the video!

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Rufus Wainwright’s eagerly anticipated debut opera ‘Prima Donna’ premieres at the Palace Theatre for Manchester’s International Festival, which runs from July 10th – July 19th, a total of five performances.

He releases his live CD/DVD ‘Milwaukee At Last!!!’, September 7th, taken from his acclaimed and celebrated 2007 ‘Release The Stars’ tour.

Check out Rufus on the Jonathan Ross show tonight, 10.30pm, BBC1. His interview on Jonathan Ross’ Radio 2 show last week was hugely entertaining and very funny – expect more of the same tonight.

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Paolo Nutini provides the music for the Jonathan Ross show tonight. He performs his infectious new single ‘Coming Up Easy’ out August 10th from his No.1 album ‘Sunny Side Up’.

Paolo plays the iTunes festival tonight at the Roundhouse – 20,000 fans applied for tickets to this gig, it’s set to be a cracker, after which he travels up to Scotland to play T in the Park and then Oxegen in Ireland. What a weekend!

There is an excellent piece on Paolo Nutini in this month’s issue of Word magazine. Check it out!

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The Duckworth Lewis Method strolled out to their Times sponsored showcase at The Oval on Tuesday, fully adorned in cricket regalia and Merv Hughes-esque facial hair. They opened up with their first single ‘Age Of Revolution’, which was suitably pitch perfect.

The duo, who were fully complemented by the Divine Comedy backing band were in great form throughout - they had the packed out England Suite bowled over with songs from their eponymous maiden album (out this week) and creasing up at their pre-song wibblings. It was a joy to watch!

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Madonna left the UK for Europe this week following her triumphant shows at London’s O2 last weekend and Manchester’s MEN on Tuesday. The reviews were stunning including a 5* review in the Evening Standard.

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Just Jack plays Somerset House tomorrow with Lily Allen. He will be performing tracks from his impressive new album ‘All Night Cinema’ August 24th.

Look out for his stunning new single ‘The Day I Died’, (August 17th) already an album highlight it has now been completely transformed with multi-layered sounds, strings and a choir. It sounded great when Jo Whiley played it on her show this week.

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Jersey Budd also plays Somerset House, he’s special guests to The Enemy tonight. His new single, ‘She Came Back’, which features backing vocals from Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan is released through iTunes on Monday.

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The Pretenders embark on five UK dates in six days starting at Cornbury Festival on Sunday, after which they play two special performances at Glasgow’s ABC (Tuesday) and the Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Wednesday). They round up their assault on the UK with a show with Squeeze in Liverpool (Thursday) and a performance at Latitude Festival (Friday).

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Lightning Seeds have a busy weekend on the festival circuit. They play Guilfest tomorrow and Cornbury Festival plus Liverpool Pops Festival on Sunday. Their new single ‘Don’t Walk On By’ (August 3rd) is featured on the Radio 2 playlist.

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Tom Hickox’s infectious new single ‘The Pretty Pride Of Russia’ had its first play on BBC6 Music on Wednesday. Chris Hawkins played the track standing in for Steve Lamacq.

Photo Credit: Kevin Westenberg

Following Jersey Budd’s thrilling live set at the Isle Of Wight Festival last week, Budd announces a 9-date UK Autumn Tour.

Fans who buy advanced tickets for the tour can download a free 4-track acoustic EP including: "She Came Back" featuring Tom from Kasabian on backing vocals and brand new track "Thinking for Two".

Jersey Budd Autumn 2009 UK tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

September 2009
Thu 24th PORTSMOUTH, Wedgewood Rooms
Fri 25th LEICESTER, Y Theatre
Sat 26th SHEFFIELD, Leadmill
Mon 28th GLASGOW, King Tuts
Tue 29th MANCHESTER, Night & Day
Wed 30th LEEDS, Brudenhall Social Club

October 2009
Thu 1st PUREGROOVE - Instore 6.30pm
Fri 2nd LONDON, The Garage
Sat 3rd SOUTHAMPTON, The Hamptons

Jersey has a royal summer mapped out over the next couple of months. He plays five festival shows including Glastonbury (June 28) and a show with The Enemy at Somerset House (July 11th).

He releases his stunning new single "She Came Back" July 6th, featuring guest vocals from Kasabian’s frontman Tom Meighan who was roped into singing for 4 cans of Fosters and a pack of Marlboro Lights.

Buy Music:

Jersey Budd on amazon.co.uk

Jersey Budd Official Website

Ian Broudie was in fine form last night for The Lightning Seeds showcase at The Hospital where he premiered tracks from his stunning new album ‘Four Winds’ (May 18, 2009). In his first gig in 5 years he played 5 songs from the record, all of which sounded immaculate, including "Said & Done" and "All I Do", he finished up with his dreamy new single "Ghosts" (May 25th). His backing band on the night were none other than fellow Liverpudlians The Coral. Terry Hall of The Specials was among the enthusiastic crowd.

Karima Francis truly arrived last night, as she played 2 shows in one night. First up she was a special guest to the Stereophonics for their headline Teenage Cancer Trust show at RAH. She then hotfooted it across town to play her first London headline show with her live band at Bush Hall, which included a stunning cover of Kings Of Leon’s track "Use Somebody". Her infectious debut album ‘The Author’ is out now.

Karima supports James Morrison on selected UK dates, there are 6 more dates left, including a show at London’s Apollo on Monday. But if you can’t wait until then, she is playing an acoustic set for Clash at Lock Tavern from 6pm on Sunday.

Vagabond are special guests on the entire James Morrison tour, which includes the Hammersmith Apollo on Monday and RAH on Tuesday. Their new single "Sweat (Until The Morning)" is out June 8th from the forthcoming album ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’, June 22nd.

Kasabian play their headline TCT show RAH tonight with support coming from their talented singer-songwriter mate Jersey Budd. No doubt they’ll play songs from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’, out June 8th. A sneak preview from the new record "Vlad The Impaler" is available in the form of a free download from www.kasabian.co.uk - but only for 4 days between 7.30pm, March 31st to midnight, April 3rd. The video for the track features Noel Fielding who plays ‘Vlad The Impaler’ and was directed by Richard Ayoade (Arctic Monkeys, Last Shadow Puppets). Watch this space for exciting news of a Kasabian UK tour shortly.

Fresh from their SXSW triumph Delta Spirit went through an awesome set at Monkey Chews in Camden on Wednesday, with Robert Plant in attendance. They performed songs from their impressive debut album ‘Ode To Sunshine’ out now.

They are currently on a UK tour, which finishes with a date at ICA (April 2nd). The same day they play an acoustic set at Rough Trade East from 1pm. Having played a stint of shows at SXSW their live show is really something to behold. The band were featured in the Telegraph yesterday and their new single ‘People C’mon’ is out April 20th.

Russell Brand releases his acclaimed Radio 2 shows in a 4-disc box set ‘The Best Of What’s Legal’, April 13th. Groundbreaking, eye-opening and cutting edge, it’s a celebration of improvised and anarchic comedy. Featured in ‘The Best Of What’s Legal’ is Russell’s radio cohort Matt Morgan and sometimes stalwart Noel Gallagher. There are also guest appearances from Simon Amstell, Noel Fielding and many more.

Russell Brand brings his hugely popular live comedy show to a spectacular close at the O2, April 17th. Other dates include Glasgow’s Clyde Auditorium (April 9th, 10th), Hammersmith Apollo (11th) and Cardiff’s CIA (14th).

Tickets for Depeche Mode’s 3 UK dates in December went on sale this morning at 9am. Their seismic ‘Tour Of The Universe’ kicks off in Israel, May 10th and features a show at London’s O2 (May 30th). Their new album ‘Sounds Of The Universe’ is released April 20th. Preceding this is their addictive single "Wrong" out April 6th.

Elvis Costello releases his highly anticipated new album ‘Secret, Profane & Sugarcane’ out June 1st, produced by T Bone Burnett in Nashville. He embarks on selected US dates in June to coincide with the release of the album. Elvis returns to the UK in April for 6 shows with The Brodsky Quartet.

Simply Red kicked off their UK ‘Greatest Hits Tour’ in Glasgow on Tuesday. The tour features 2 sold out dates at London’s O2. (April 2nd, 3rd) and features tracks from their ‘Greatest Hits 25’ album released last autumn.

Paolo Nutini returns to the live scene in May, the tickets went on sale this morning and his Electric Ballroom and Glasgow shows sold out in less than an hour! They’re his first gigs since 2007 and coincide with his stunning new album ‘Sunny Side Up’ (June 1st) written by Paolo and produced by Paolo and Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon). The first taster from the new album is the exquisite single "Candy" out May 18th.

Following the success of his recent club tour, Just Jack heads out on a full UK tour in June. His hot new single "Embers", which is featured on the Radio One A-List is out on Monday. The new album ‘All Night Cinema’ (June 8th) has been receiving some nice reviews already and "Doctor Doctor" is set to be the second single from the record out June 1st.

Jason Mraz’s new single "Make It Mine" (April 13th) from his irrepressible album ‘We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things’ out now is on the Radio One and Radio Two B-List. He returns to the UK next week for a 5-date UK tour, which features 2 sold out shows at London’s Hammersmith Apollo (April 4th, 5th).

Pearl Jam re-issue their seminal album 'Ten' on Monday. One of the bonus tracks from the re-issue ‘Brother’ is proving to be a huge radio hit in the US. It makes radio history by becoming the first previously unreleased track to rocket to No. 1 on the US modern rock charts. Following the great success on US radio it is now No. 2 at Rock radio in both Australia and Canada – a universal hit!

Next week is Teenage Cancer Trust week at the Royal Albert Hall, highlights include a headline set from Stereophonics on Thursday (March 26th).

Kasabian bring their thrilling live show and no doubt tracks from their awesome new record ‘The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ (June 8th) to the RAH on Friday (March 27th). Jersey Budd will be the support for Kasabian.

What do Kasabian, Eskimo Joe and Little Feat all have in common? Jersey Budd! Along with his special guest slot alongside Kasabian next Friday, he also goes on the road with Eskimo Joe in April, fully equipped with his full band. He then plays 3 acoustic shows with Little Feat in May. His eagerly awaited debut album ‘Wonderlands’, out May 11, 2009 is already gaining some nice reviews.

The full programme for the Manchester International Festival was announced yesterday and Rufus Wainwright was in attendance. His debut opera ‘Prima Donna’ premieres the Palace Theatre for five performances from July 10th.

Festival Director Alex Poots said: Rufus Wainwright has an exceptional gift for melody and clearly has a deep affinity with opera. We’re delighted to be working with him as he moves into this new form.”

We can’t wait for Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park this summer. The Pretenders are special guests to Neil Young on the Saturday (June 27th). Neil Young perfectly summed up what we all know about Chrissie Hynde: “She’s a rock & roll woman. She’s got it in her heart. She’s gonna be rocking till she drops.”

The Dave Matthews Band are special guests to Bruce Springsteen (June 28th). They also perform 3 other UK dates including 2 Brixton Academy shows, the first of which is sold out in support of their new album ‘Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King’ out June 8th. The new LP is their first with producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance).

Karima Francis’ debut album ‘The Author’ comes out on Monday and is available to download on itunes now. Her infectious single ‘Again’ is making nice headway – it received 72,000 downloads as the iTunes single of the week and she was featured in a lovely piece in Sunday Times Culture last week.

Karima kicked off her tour with James Morrison in Manchester’s Apollo last night. She supports him on selected dates, which are sandwiched in-between her own tour featuring a show at London’s Bush Hall (March 26th) fully complemented by her live band.

Vagabond’s tour with James Morrison also got under way last night at Manchester’s Apollo. On Monday they played their final gig before the tour at Xenomania’s showcase night in Notting Hill Arts Club.

Their debut album produced by Brian Higgins ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’ is out June 22nd, preceded by this is ‘Sweat (Until The Morning)’ (June 8th) – the first taster of Vagabond’s soulful pop sound. The video for the single was shot in the Mojave Desert and directed by Paul Minor (Muse, Editors, Glasvegas).

Delta Spirit are currently in SXSW performing a stint of shows, after which they return to the UK for a string of dates to coincide with their impressive LP ‘Ode To Sunshine’, which is out on Monday.

R.E.M. were the subject of a tribute night at Carnegie Hall last week. The show was the latest in a series of tributes benefiting music charities. Twenty artists performed one song apiece, all drawn from R.E.M.’s resplendent back catalogue. The night was brought to a close with a wonderful performance of ‘E-Bow The Letter’ by R.E.M. with Patti Smith.

Good afternoon. With the Grammy's taking place next week (February 8, 2009) and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss announced to perform at the bash, what better time to stoke the Grammy fire and fill you in on the show...

The duo have been nominated for an impressive 5 awards including, Album of the Year, (for their Mercury nominated 'Raising Sand') and Record of the Year, for their stunning single "Please Read The Letter".

Duffy will be in attendance on the night after gaining 3 nominations for Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (for "Mercy") and Best Pop Vocal Album (for 'Rockferry'). She will also be presenting an award.

Jason Mraz will be at the ceremony. He's been nominated in 3 categories. Jason is up for, Song of the Year (for the irresistible "I'm Yours"), Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Engineered Album.

As well as the success in his homeland, Jason is finally receiving notable acclaim and success this side of the pond. His album 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things' broke into the Top Ten this week at No. 8. His worldwide smash-hit single "I'm Yours" is currently No. 11 in the iTunes chart, on course for the top Ten.

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Rufus Wainwright is speaking at the Oxford Union on Thursday (Feb 5th), Rufus will field questions in a Q&A session about his first, upcoming opera 'Prima Donna' which premieres at the Manchester International Festival - the world's first festival of original, new work on July 10th, 14th, 17th (evening) and 12th, 19th July (Matinee) at Manchester's Palace Theatre.

Rufus is also up for a Grammy nomination next Sunday for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (for 'Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall').

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In breaking news, Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour goes back on the road this Summer. Already the No.1 biggest grossing tour in history for a solo artist, Madonna kicks off the tour at London's O2 Arena on Independence Day (July 4th) and then Manchester's MEN Arena (July 7th).

Never one to miss out, Madonna is up for 3 Grammy Awards too, for Best Dance Recording (for Give It 2 Me), Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (for 4 Minutes) and Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical (for 4 Minutes - Junkie XL Remix).

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Saddened by the loss of singer-songwriter John Martyn, Jersey Budd had some kind words to say: "John Martyn was one of only a few people to leave me absolutely spellbound by his musical genius. It turned out that I was the last person to ever be asked to support John. Whatever I achieve in music, this will go down as one of my proudest moments, and a great honour."

Jersey continues to impress, and impress is exactly what he did on Wednesday at Water Rats. The singer-songwriter showcased songs from his stunning forthcoming album 'Wonderlands'.

Jersey releases his infectious new single "Visions Of You", February 16th.

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Russell Brand is currently on his 28-date, sold out UK tour, but due to phenomenal demand he announced a rare and simply unmissable, stand-up show at London's O2 Arena, April 17th.

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Politics enthusiast Will Young takes to the Question Time hot seat next Thursday (Feb 5th). Will, who is a fan of the show assured us that he is swotting up on the hot topics of the day.

Will releases his last-ever physical single ‘Let It Go’ from the same titled album on March 2nd.

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Delta Spirit were impressive on Tuesday night at Borderline. The five-piece ripped through a storming set that included their irresistible single "Trashcan".

They play their last London gig tonight at Koko (Club NME), before heading back to the U.S. They are playing SXSW in March before returning to the UK for more live dates. Their stunning album 'Ode To Sunshine' is released March 23rd.

Merry Christmas from Jersey Budd!

After signing up to revolutionary new fan-centred music service Bandstocks (Patrick Wolf, frYars) earlier this year, the Leicester-born troubadour is offering fans a sack-load of early Christmas presents, including free downloads and discount tickets for his New Year headline tour.

Jersey Budd on amazon.co.uk

The first 25 fans to book in advance for each of Jersey's 12 February dates pay just £1 per ticket, while all other buyers get a free download of previously-unheard track "Foolin' Around".

"All this change in the industry is an opportunity for artists AND fans" says Jersey, donning his blue and white LCFC Santa hat. "Bandstocks gives me total control over everything (music, artwork, marketing, etc) so I can be as creative as I want, while the fans get a share of album profits and tons of other privileges including a download of the album on release. In this goodwill season, £1 tickets is a festive way of giving something back... you've got to look after the fans if they're going to help you make an album!"

"Jersey's the true gentleman of rock and roll," added Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno. "If anyone deserves our backing it's him!"

Jersey and Serge aren't the only ones filled with festive generosity... Leicester City Football Club have joined Leicester lads Kasabian in contributing to Jersey's Bandstocks album kitty, each backing the mad Foxes fan as he guns for chart success with forthcoming debut album 'Wonderlands'.

'Wonderlands' is out February 16, 2009 on Bandstocks / This Feeling.

New single "Visions Of You" is released February 9th.

Jersey Budd February 2009 UK Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Mon 9th WOLVERHAMPTON, Little Civic £6/£7 www.wolvescivic.co.uk
Tue 10th PORTSMOUTH, Cellars £6/£7 www.ticketweb.co.uk
Wed 11th BRISTOL, Cooler £6/£7 www.gigantic.com
Thu 12th LEEDS, Brudenell Social Club £6/£7 www.ticketweb.co.uk
Fri 13th NOTTINGHAM, Bodega £6/£7 www.gigantic.com
Sat 14th HULL, Welly Club £2.5/£3.5/£5 No Presale
Mon 16th SHEFFIELD, Leadmill £6/£7 www.ticketweb,co.uk
Wed 18th NEWCASTLE, The Cluny £6/£7 www.ticketweb,co.uk
Thu 19th GLASGOW, King Tut's £6/£7 www.gigsinscotland.com
Fri 20th LONDON, Water Rats £7/£8 www.ticketweb,co.uk
Sat 21st LEICESTER, Sumo £6/£8 www.thecharlotte.co.uk
Sun 22nd DERBY, The Venue £6/£7 www.gigantic.com

Tickets On Sale Now

Bandstocks Official Website

Jersey Budd MySpace
Jersey Budd Official Website

Photo: Vagabond

Here are four up and coming acts to look out for in the New Year...

By: MBC - Class of 2009

Karima Francis

21 year-old singer-songwriter Karima Francis is undoubtedly one of 2009's most exciting prospects. Her incredible songs have earned comparisons with Joan Armatrading, Tracey Chapman and even Jeff Buckley, while BBC online have already described her voice as "amazing...even if she sang the phone book, we'd be excited".

Born in Blackpool and now Manchester-based, Karima previews forthcoming debut album 'The Author' (due March 2009) with a limited edition 7" and digital download single "Chasing The Morning Light", released on Kitchenware. Catch Karima at her final Enterprise acoustic date (December 8th) or at one of 18 New Year UK tour dates.

Delta Spirit

After opening sold out shows for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog, hotly-tipped California five-piece Delta Spirit have earned a reputation as one of America's most exciting new bands.

Debut album 'Ode To Sunshine', an infectious mix of old school best-of-British (The Kinks, The Beatles) and new school Americana, has gained some fantastic US reviews, with the Boston Globe describing them as "Better than any young band in recent memory".

Debut single "Trashcan" is released January 19th, 2009, with acclaimed album 'Ode To Sunshine' out March 23rd on Rounder Records. The band will also record a Radio 1 'In New Music We Trust' session for Steve Lamacq to be broadcast January 19th. The band play their first UK dates in the New Year.

Jersey Budd

24-year old singer, songwriter and guitarist Jersey Budd was recently tipped as one to watch in Observer Music Monthly, who said: "There are few former plumbers from Leicester whose blue-collar rock recalls the Boss. But then Jersey Budd is a truly singular talent." Absolute Radio are also big fans - he plays live on air this Friday (5th December) after hetting great support for previous single "She Came Back".

He's already supported Kasabian, The Rifles and John Martyn over a frenetic year of touring, and plays alongside Starsailor (Manchester MOHO, December 18th) and Pete Doherty (London Rhythm Factory, December 20th) at two pre-Christmas dates.

New single "Visions Of You" is out February 9th, 2009, a week before debut album 'Wonderlands' is released on Bandstocks / This Feeling. News of a UK headline tour and another great support slot to follow next week...

Vagabond

International four-piece Vagabond are a most welcome addition to 2009's musical calendar. With a soul-tinged, pop/rock sound like no-one else around, the band have recorded their forthcoming debut album under the guidance of Xenomania's Brian Higgins, and are the first band signed to the newly-revived Geffen label.

Debut single "Sweat (Until The Morning)" (released in the spring) provides a fantastic first taste of Vagabond, matching lead singer Alex Vargas' deep, soulful croon with an irresistible Sly Stone groove.

The group's debut album will be released summer 2009. Expect news of a first full UK tour in the New Year.

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