The first time he’ll play a UK outdoor show since 2005, the new dates also mark his Southampton debut and first-ever outdoor performances in Cardiff and Glasgow.

One of the most keenly awaited live events of 2008, the new tour boasts amazing production and a dazzling, innovative stage set. On it, Diamond will perform songs spanning his entire career, from classic hits to newer, critically acclaimed work. UK fans will be among the first in the world to hear songs from his forthcoming LP, the second with producer Rick Rubin.

Currently completing the recording of new material in Los Angeles and preparing rehearsals for the World tour, Neil Diamond’s European dates are:

May 2008

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Neil Diamond’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

27th Germany, Munich Olympiahalle (www.eventim.de)
31st Germany, Cologne Kolnarena (www.eventim.de)

June 2008

2nd Germany, Hamburg Colorline (www.eventim.de)
**5th Glasgow, Hampden Park (08700 13 26 52 www.secxtra.com)
7th Manchester Evening News Arena (0844 847 8000 www.livenation.co.uk)
8th Manchester Evening News Arena (0844 847 8000 www.livenation.co.uk)
10th Birmingham NIA (0870 909 4144 www.livenation.co.uk)
11th Birmingham NIA (0870 909 4144 www.livenation.co.uk)
14th Ireland, Dublin Croke Park (www.ticketmaster.ie)
**17th Southampton, Rose Bowl (0844 576 5483 www.livenation.co.uk)
**19th Cardiff, Millennium Stadium (0844 576 5483 www.livenation.co.uk)
21st London The 02 Arena (0871 984 0002 www.livenation.co.uk)
23rd London The 02 Arena (0871 984 0002 www.livenation.co.uk)
24th London, The 02 Arena (0871 984 0002 www.livenation.co.uk)

**(NEW DATES ADDED)

TICKET PRICES FOR NEW OUTDOOR SHOWS IN GLASGOW, SOUTHAMPTON and CARDIFF ARE 55 GBP, 50 GBP AND 45 GBP.

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY JANUARY 25TH, 2008 AT 9AM.

Other UK Ticket prices: 50 GBP, 60 GBP, 70 GBP (plus booking fees). Tickets available from 0844 576 5483 and Live Nation (www.livenation.co.uk).

Sign up for more information and updates on:

Neil Diamond Official Website

Dionne Warwick is one of the most astounding female singers of the 20th century. Her career spans over 40 years – she has won 5 Grammy Awards and is second only to Aretha Franklin with the most Billboard Hot 100 singles during 1955-1999.

Her first Hit in the UK was in 1964 with “Walk On By”. This went to #9, and since then she has gone on to have great chart success with “Heartbreaker” and “All The Love In The World”. She is one of the only African-American female recording artists that has stayed true to her soul roots and not branched into Pop or mainstream R&B.

Dionne Warwick – ‘The Love Collection’, set for release 4th February, 2008, is a selection of all her best Love Songs on one amazing disc. The album includes solo work “Say A Little Prayer” and “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself”.

Also present are duets with legends Luther Vandross, “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye”, and Stevie Wonder, “It’s You” and the incredible ensemble with Elton John, Glady’s Knight and Stevie Wonder in “That’s What Friends Are For”. To celebrate ‘The Love Collection’ Dionne Warwick shall be performing at the London Palladium the night before the release.

Show that special someone how much you care with one of the most romantic singers of all time.

Dionne Warwick – ‘The Love Collection’ track list:

1. Heartbreaker
2. Walk On By
3. I Say A Little Prayer
4. Do You Know The Way To San Jose
5. All The Love In The World
6. That’s What Friends Are For (with Elton John Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder)
7. Deja Vu
8. So Amazing
9. It’s You (with Stevie Wonder)
10. The Look Of Love
11. How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye (with Luther Vandross)
12. Anyone Who Had A Heart
13. Friends In Love (with Johnny Mathis)
14. I Don’t Need Another Love (with The Detroit Spinners)
15. I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
16. Reach Out For Me
17. Love Power (with Jeffrey Osborne)
18. (They Long To Be) Close To You
19. I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
20. What The World Needs Now

Dionne Warwick is scheduled to perform at the London Palladium on 3rd February 2008.

For more information, go to:

Dionne Warwick Official Website

Morrissey has announced the track listing for the forthcoming ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation to be released on CD and double vinyl on Polydor/Decca on 11th February, 2008.

The collection spans Morrissey’s stellar 20-year career as a true original, and one of the UK’s greatest musical talents. Every song on ‘Greatest Hits’ is a UK Top 20 single. Nine of these are Top 10 hits. Two new songs are included – forthcoming single “That’s How People Grow Up” and “All You Need Is Me” – recorded with Jerry Finn, producer of 2004’s widely acclaimed No. 2 album ‘You Are The Quarry’.

Morrissey is currently working with Finn on his new studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s No. 1 ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors’. The new LP is scheduled for an Autumn ‘08 release.

A special, limited edition run of CDs will feature a ‘Live At The Hollywood Bowl’ bonus CD, featuring eight tracks recorded live in California on June 8th 2007.

Morrissey – ‘Greatest Hits’ track listing:

1. First Of The Gang To Die (from You Are The Quarry – UK No. 6)
2. In The Future When All’s Well (from Ringleader of the Tormentors – UK No .17)
3. I Just Want To See The Boy Happy (from Ringleader Of The Tormentors – UK No. 16)
4. Irish Blood, English Heart (from You Are The Quarry – UK No. 3)
5. You Have Killed Me (from Ringleader Of The Tormentors – UK No. 3)
6. That’s How People Grow Up (new)
7. Everyday Is Like Sunday (from Viva Hate – UK No. 9)
8. Redondo Beach (from Live From Earls Court – UK No. 11)
9. Suedehead (from Viva Hate – UK No. 5)
10. The Youngest Was The Most Loved (from Ringleader of the Tormentors – UK no. 14)
11. The Last Of The Famous International Playboys (from Bona Drag – UK no. 6)
12. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get – from Vauxhall & I – UK no. 8
13. All You Need Is Me (new)
14. Let Me Kiss You – from You Are The Quarry – UK no. 8
15. I Have Forgiven Jesus (from You Are The Quarry – UK no. 10)

‘Live At The Hollywood Bowl’ bonus CD track listing:

1. The Last of the Famous International Playboys
2. The National Front Disco
3. Let Me Kiss You
4. Irish Blood, English Heart
5. I Will See You in Far-off Places
6. First of the Gang to Die
7. I Just Want to See the Boy Happy
8. Life is a Pigsty

“That’s How People Grow Up” UK single release set for 4th February, 2008.

Morrissey – Greatest Hits on amazon.co.uk

Morrissey on Myspace
Morrissey Official Website

‘With Love x’ opens with “A Moment Like This”, the sensational debut single from the delectable Leona Lewis.

This brand new collection of heart-felt songs is perfect for Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day 2008 with songs from this century’s biggest selling artists including; Westlife, Shayne Ward, Il Divo, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, this compilation also contains timeless and exquisite classics from the greats Nina Simone, George Michael, Billy Joel, Toni Braxton, Elvis and Take That.

Show you care during the season of tenderness…With Love x.

Scheduled for UK release February 4th, 2008 on SonyBMG.

Track Listing: (To Be Confirmed)

CD1

1. Leona Lewis – A Moment Like This
2. Westlife – Home
3. Shayne Ward – Breathless
4. Scouting For Girls – She’s So Lovely
5. Alicia Keys – No One
6. Natasha Bedingfield – Soulmate
7. Il Divo – Nights In White Satin
8. Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are
9. John Barrowman – If You Leave Me Now
10. Pink – Nobody Knows
11. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
12. Lemar – Someone Should Tell You
13. Aqualung – Pressure Suit
14. Manic Street Preachers – You’re Love Alone
15. George Michael – Amazing
16. John Legend – Used To Love You
17. Jem – Wish I
18. Nina Simone – The Look Of Love
19. Toni Braxton – Unbreak My Heart
20. Eric Carmen – Hungry Eyes
21. Luther Vandross – Your Secret Love
22. Leanne Rimes – How Do I Live
23. Beyonce – Irreplaceable

CD2

1. Justin Timberlake – Lovestoned
2. The Fray – How To Save A Life
3. Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone
4. Christina Aguilera – Hurt
5. Newton Faulkner – Dream Catch Me
6. Take That – How Deep Is Your Love
7. Teatro – Love Changes Everything
8. Elvis Presley – The Wonder of You
9. Michael Jackson – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
10. Dionne Warwick – All The Love In The World
11. The Zutons – Valerie
12. Gloria Estefan – Don’t Want To Lose You
13. Delta Goodrem – Born To Try
14. Anastacia – Left Outside Alone
15. Natalie Imbruglia – Glorious
16. Dido – Thank You
17. Cyndi Lauper – I Drove All Night
18. Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply
19. Backstreet Boys – Quit Playing Games (with my heart)
20. John Mayer – Your Body Is A Wonderland
21. Travis – Flowers In The Window
22. Will Young – Leave Right Now

Valentine’s Day is nearly here! Show that special someone just how much you care with R&B Lovesongs 2008, set for UK release on 28th January 2008 on Sony BMG. R&B Lovesongs 2008 is an album packed full of the most powerful, romantic and meaningful songs of the past decade.

This is THE one stop shop for all the biggest down tempo R&B tracks of recent times, led by the massive No. 1 hit “Umbrella” from the delectable Rihanna.

There really is something for everyone, including huge number ones from Timbaland (“Give It To Me”) and Usher (“You Make Me Wanna”) and Sugababes (“About You Now”). If that isn’t enough to entice you the romantic collection also features love classics from Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Christina Aguilera.

As it says on the front of the album this is “The very best of R&B love Songs 2008″.

Tracklist:

CD 1

1. Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z – Umbrella
2. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
3. Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry
4. Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
5. Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned/I Think She Knows
6. Akon – Don’t Matter
7. Amerie – Take Control
8. Mario – How Do I Breathe
9. Usher – You Make Me Wanna…
10. Nelly – Hot in Herre
11. Ralph Tresvant – Sensitivity
12. Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya
10. Lumidee – Never Leave You – Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!
14. Solange – White Picket Dreams
15. Chris Brown featuring T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
16. Cassidy featuring R. Kelly – Hotel
17. R. Kelly featuring T.I. & T-Pain – I’m A Flirt Remix
18. John Legend – Ordinary People
19. Luther Vandross – Stop To Love
20. Michael Jackson – Rock With You

CD 2

1. Alicia Keys – No One
2. Timbaland Featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado – Give It To Me
3. Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon – The Sweet Escape
4. Sugababes – About You Now
5. Ne-Yo – Because Of You
6. Jennifer Lopez – Baby I Love U!
7. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
8. The Game – Dreams
9. Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long
10. The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started
11. Kelly Rowland – Can’t Nobody
12. Brownstone – If You Love Me
13. Taio Cruz – I Just Wanna Know
14. Shakira – Underneath Your Clothes
15. SWV – Right Here
16. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U
17. Ashanti – Only U
18. The Pussycat Dolls feat. will.i.am – Beep
19. Marvin Gaye – My Love Is Waiting
20. Mary J Blige – Family Affair

R&B Lovesongs 2008 on Amazon.co.uk

R&B Love Songs [Import] on Amazon.com

Check out Robyn’s fresh new rhymes during her upcoming US tour dates in support of her new Rakamonie EP, to be released digitally on January 29th, 2008.

The UK has already shown their love for Robyn and the EP, as her track “With Every Heartbeat” reached #1 in the charts. It’s been a couple of years since she toured in America, so fans in the states will be in for a treat for her February concerts.

Robyn’s full-length album is tentatively scheduled to drop in April 2008, more details to come!

US Rakamonie EP (Konichiwa/Cherrytree/Interscope Records; January 29th, 2008) Tracklisting:

1. Konichiwa Bitches – 2:38
2. Cobra Style – 4:10
3. Be Mine (Ballad Version) – 4:08
4. With Every Heartbeat with Kleerup (Acoustic Version) – 3:35
5. Jack U Off – 2:15

Robyn US tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Robyn’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

February 5 Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
February 7 SF Popscene, San Francisco, CA
February 9 Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA

Robyn on Myspace
Robyn Official Website

I woke up this morning with Eddie Floyd’s “634-5789″ soul song going around my head. Better than a hangover, that’s for sure. Last night he and a few others performed on Later with Jools Holland for the annual Hootenanny New Year’s Eve show on the BBC.

Rather than go out, which is what we were planning to do, Dave and I stayed in for New Year’s. A very kind and generous friend had given us tickets to go out to see a few bands play at the Carling Academy Oxford and we ungraciously didn’t show up. Very naughty indeed. Hopefully he’s still talking to us.

So, we settled for a couple bottles of bubbly and the TV instead. Later with Jools was pretty good. Of course, the show isn’t filmed live, which is a bit of a let down, but it’s still fun to watch.

After Jools Holland arrived to the Land of the Hootenanny via Dr. Who’s Tardis (sounds crazy, I know) “Boogie Woogie Queen” Ruby Turner opened the show with “Jumpin’ at the Jubilee” along with Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Soul legend Eddie Floyd followed with “634-5789″. I used to sing that song in a band called Soul Wagon…crikey…about 15 years ago. The band was only together a couple of months, but that’s another story.

Other guest performers on the show included Kaiser Chiefs, Lulu, Madness, Duffy, Kate Nash, Kylie Minogue, Seasick Steve, Mika and Paul McCartney. Jools also spoke to a few guests in the audience like Lenny Henry, Dawn French, David Tennant, Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone, Gabby Logan and more.

Duffy performed a superb cover of the Cat Stevens song, “The First Cut Is The Deepest”. I’ve mentioned on several occasions, here on Band Weblogs, how much I like Duffy and that she’s the cat’s meow. Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra accompanied Duffy, for her classy rendition of “The First Cut Is The Deepest”, which could easily be released as a single. Duffy’s been on Later with Jools two times now – sometimes she reminds me of Lulu, who Jools will often perform with, so it’s apropos that he would seem to be enamored with her.

Speaking of Lulu, she sounded great, as always, singing “Where Have All The Good Guys Gone”. It would have been good to see her sing more songs, though.

Kylie Minogue was the star of the night. For her first number, Jools reminded viewers of Kylie’s recent stint on Dr. Who before she vamped it up with “Come On Strong”. She spent the song being sultry, sitting on the piano and singing, whilst Jools played along with the band.

The other “big star of the night” was Paul McCartney. Who would have thought that one day Sir Paul McCartney and Kylie Minogue would be introduced together for a duet? That they were, and they sang Paul McCartney’s “Dance Tonight”. Later, Kylie performed “2 Hearts” from her album ‘X’, with Dr. Who’s David Tennant dancing along in the audience. She also sang a jazzed up lounge version of her hit song “I Could Be So Lucky” with Jools Holland on piano.

The Duffy and Eddie Floyd “Bring It On Home To Me” duet was a treat and Mika performed “Grace Kelly”, playing the piano – as I had first heard him play the song for his debut on Later with Jools Holland about a year ago. This time he played along with the Jools Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. It’s too bad the song gets so overplayed on the radio, because I really liked it the first time I heard it. Especially the stripped down piano version.

There were many more performances throughout the night and if you missed the Hootenanny on the BBC, luckily the Later with Jools Holland website has added video footage of the complete show.

For some reason, Ruby Turner doesn’t have a section on the Hootenanny page. Hopefully they’ll add one soon. In the meantime, you can go to Ruby Turner Official Website for more information about her.

Watch Hootenanny videos from Later with Jools Holland

Later with Jools Holland BBC Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

It’s raw and emotional. It’s freight-train-to-nowhere lonely. It’s hard-rockin’, no-apologies country music that has traded in its twang for a gravelly growl millions of fans recognize as the voice of Gary Allan. And with ‘Living Hard’, his latest release from MCA Nashville, Allan once again proves that, though times may change, the thread of truth at the center of his music remains the same.

“I think the fans are gonna feel that this record is different,” he says, “but the most important thing is that what I do is authentic. I’ve never pushed for a certain image. I’ve just always done my own thing.”

This time around, Allan says, that includes letting listeners ride along through his personal landscape over the past year. “The record has taken about a year to make,” he says, “and I think the whole thing reflects change. I think every record sort of reflects where I’m at, and I’ve made a ton of changes this year, just mentally and in how I’m approaching everything. “Oh,” he adds with a grin, “and I think it’s much more rockin’ than anything I’ve done.”

Allan decided to crank it up musically. “I just felt like I was growing so much and wanted the music to reflect that. I think the result has more of an edge.” More edge, from the man who’s already got a reputation as a bit of a Nashville outsider? “Hopefully country music feels like they need somebody like me in the fold just to shake things up,” he laughs.

Not that this was all his idea – Allan feels some of the changes come from the fans themselves. “It’s not like I was trying for a new direction, it’s almost audience driven, too. l feel like I’ve got this young crowd with me now, I’ve got these rocker kids in my audience. And I grew up with that music, too,” says the California-bred singer, “so to me that stuff is right alongside Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. The people really dictate the music, too. I feed off the audience, whatever they’re really wanting is what they drag out of me. I’ve got the edgy side of the country crowd – and I want to keep them.”

No danger of losing them – ‘Living Hard’ is an all-out rocker with a heavy Rolling Stones influence, and in “Like It’s a Bad Thing” he lets it rip with a song that reads like a Gary Allan bad boy manifesto. “That song does sound like me, doesn’t it?” he says. “I think if anything, that sort of renegade spirit is even more prevalent on this album. We’ve always danced to our own tune.”

Gary Allan, whose life is a whirlwind of hard-driving touring, also made a conscious decision to carve out more songwriting time for this album than ever before. “It’s the most I’ve written on any album,” he says. “I usually only write on my time off because I’m going so much that I hardly have time to ponder and sit around enough to want to write. Last year I sort of forced myself into it early so that I could write more for the record.”

He was pleased with the result: “I’m usually more critical on my stuff,” he says, “but I feel like I’m writing better, and obviously the more you’ve been through, the more you’ve got to say and the deeper you can express those emotions.”

If you’ve been to his shows, Allan says, you know that when he sings about “baring my soul for the price of your ticket,” he’s not just blowing smoke. Since his last studio album, 2005’s ‘Tough All Over’, which drew on his experiences coping with the death-by-suicide of his wife, Angela, in 2004, Allan has become known for putting all his emotions on the line in his songs. “I’m exactly the same on the stage as I am off the stage,” he says, “and what I found is, the bigger the arena, the more you’re standing in the middle of those people, the more transparent you are. You can tell when somebody’s not authentic or they’re trying to be something they’re not.”

In songs like “Learning How to Bend,” he admits he’s still exploring some rough terrain as he makes his way back into everyday life and the possibility of a new relationship. “I think my favorite song that I wrote on this album is “Learning How to Bend” he says. “I woke up one day with that title. And it’s me, you know – I’m still learning, learning how to bend.”

And in “We Touched the Sun” he moves forward while looking back at the beautiful times he shared with Angela. “There’s a small circle of us that write songs together, and it’s like group therapy,” he says with a chuckle. “And the result is it’s real. We rented a house in Costa Rica just to write, and “We Touched the Sun” is one of the songs that came out of that session. It’s a very reflective song, looking back at Angela. But it could be anybody you loved, just all the fond memories.”

Thanks in part to all of that musical therapy, says Allan, these days “I’m in a good place, definitely happy.” And, he assures his fans, if you’ve been through tough times yourself, or you’re just wondering how he’s coping these days, all you have to do is listen to his music. “I don’t really talk to people about my situation,” he says, “but I feel like since I do write about my life and where I am, you can watch me heal through my music. It’s lots easier on me, and I do hope that the music speaks to you.”

With ‘Living Hard’, Allan is sure to find his music speaking to an ever-growing number of fans. “I want to reach even bigger audiences,” he says. “I feel like I’ve got so much to say and so much to do right now and things are moving so fast. It’s great to have something new to throw at people.”

Most of all, he says, he just wants people to come along for the ride – and hear the sounds of a life in progress. “It’s a good listen, I think,” he says. “I’m excited for people to hear it. It’ll take you through a whole range of emotions, and I think it’s going to take you on a journey. That’s my goal.”

Gary Allan – “Watching Airplanes” video:

Gary Allan – Living Hard on amazon.com

Gary Allan 2008 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Gary Allan’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

January 18 2008 – Kinder, LA @ Coushatta Casino Resort
February 16 2008 – San Antonio TX @ AT&T Center
March 15 2008 – Sydney, Aus @ CMC Rocks the Snowys
March 19 2008 – Toowoomba, QLD, Australia @ Empire Theatre
March 20 2008 – Tweed Heads West, NSW, Australia @ Seagulls Club

Gary Allan videos on Yahoo

Gary Allan Official Website
Gary Allan on Myspace

Mary J Blige, the high priestess of soul is back with another album, ‘Growing Pains’, on February 4th, 2008 in the UK (December 18th, 2007 – US). The lead track from the record will be the hugely infectious smash-in-the-making, “Just Fine”, which will be released in the UK on January 28th, 2008.

“Just Fine” is a break from the norm for Mary who usually leads a new album release with a ballad. The single is an upbeat, feel good record with the lyrics “no more negative vibes/got my head on straight/I wouldn’t change/my life’s just fine” and was produced by “Tricky” Stewart (Rihanna “Umbrella”) and Jazze Pha (Notorious B.I.G.’s Nasty Girl).

She’s the woman Mya calls “the queen,” and Nelly Furtado attributes her music career to. She has proved herself as one of the most important and successful female artists of the last decade selling more than 40 million albums across the world. Most of the details about ‘Growing Pains’ – Mary’s eighth studio album – are still under wraps, but will follow shortly.

Mary J released her last album ‘The Breakthrough’ in December 2005. It debuted at #1 in the US selling 727,000 copies in its first week making Soundscan history. It was the biggest first week sales from an R&B female solo artist ever and the album went on to sell over seven million copies worldwide.

Mary was nominated for eight Grammy Awards announced in December 2006 (the most any artist achieved that year) and took home Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (both for “Be Without You”), and Best R&B Album for ‘The Breakthrough’ at the awards ceremony held in February of this year. Mary also won nine Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, two BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Award in conjunction with ‘The Breakthrough’.

Watch Mary J Blige – “Just Fine” video

Mary J Blige Official Website
Mary J Blige on Myspace

Leon Jackson, the 2007 winner of The X Factor, appeared on GMTV’s LK Today this morning. Lorraine Kelly talked to Leon about his win last Saturday night December 15th, his nerves throughout the show and the fact that he had just started singing publicly in January of this year. Karaoke was his schtick before his appearance on the show, and after being crowned the winner, Leon is now a part of X Factor history.

Leon’s new single, a cover of the Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey hit song “When You Believe”, is now available for download and will be in stores December 19th, 2007 on Sony BMG. We’ll have to wait and see if it will make UK Christmas #1.

He sang “When You Believe” on LK Today along with a choir, and after performing on The X Factor Saturday night and probably getting little sleep, he sounded pretty good for a Monday morning. I like the tone of his voice, and at times it reminds me a bit of Jamie Cullum. Even though Leon, who hails from Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland, is only 18 years old and hasn’t had much experience performing in public, he seems a natural on stage.

With Dannii Minogue as his mentor during The X Factor (UK series 4), it seemed apropos that he would sing a duet with her sister Kylie on the night of his win. They sang her hit, “Better The Devil You Know”. I wonder if that will ever be released as a single?

Last year the winner was Leona – this year, Leon!

Watch Leon Jackson videos on YouTube

The X Factor UK YouTube Channel

Leon Jackson – “When You Believe” on amazon.co.uk

The X Factor Official Website

For interviews, blog, videos, tour dates and more information, go to:

Leon Jackson Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Last Sunday, December 9th, The 79th Royal Variety Performance aired on ITV in the UK. The show took place in Liverpool at the Empire Theatre, in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

One of the standout performances of the night was by Seal. He opened the show with a great version of “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”. The other performers on stage along with Seal were quite interesting – there was a lot going on. Stilt walkers, acrobats, a choir and more, all with a Beatles-esque ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ feel about it.

For information, and more acts that performed on the show, including Bon Jovi, Teatro and Joan Rivers go to: 79th Royal Variety Performance on Band Weblogs.

Seal also performed his positive and uplifting single, “Amazing” off of his fifth studio album, ‘System’. It’s good to see Seal back on the scene. He really is a class act, no doubt about it. With his white suit and scarf that night, he looked like a million bucks.

It’s no surprise that “Amazing” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category!

Watch Seal and Heidi Klum video – People Magazine Shoot with “Amazing” as background music:

Seal has a blog! His website is in blog format and features entries and videos. Seal’s wife, model Heidi Klum is in some of the videos that are posted as well – like the People Magazine shoot. The blog is a great place for fans to keep up to date on Seal’s music, news and everyday life.

Video link: Seal and Heidi People Magazine Shoot

Seal’s Blog

Seal on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Kerli’s life story is nothing short of a Cinderella story. Growing up in Elva, Estonia, a then Russian-occupied town of 5,000 residents, Kerli had dreams and aspirations that pushed way beyond the boundaries of her communist surroundings. A product of “tough love,” she spent most of her childhood trying to mentally escape and did so by immersing herself in the arts, studying singing, ballet, acting and classical piano. However, she soon realized what would be her main focus. “By the time I turned 14, I was so sure that my life was going to be all about singing, I quit everything else,” Kerli recalls.

Her first breakthrough came with participating in Fizz Superstar 2002, a young Baltic talent competition equivalent to American Idol. She first heard of the contest through a television advertisement that stated 15 as the minimum age to enter. Being 14 wasn’t going to stop her, so she lied about her age and entered. Her unquestionable natural talent shined through and she was crowned the winner, gifted with a record deal as the prize. Unbeknownst to her, her career was about to skyrocket.

Eventually she caught the ear of executives at Island Records, a label based over 4,000 miles from where she got her start. In June of 2005, Kerli was invited to perform for IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid; he was blown away by her performance and she was signed to Island on the spot.

Kerli takes inspiration from everything and everyone around her. She cites the universe as her muse. “I appreciate all the music in the world. Music is sacred. It’s the language of God.” Her songs encapsulate emotions of heartbreak and rebellion but are sung with a twinge of playfulness. The songs are somber and intense, but also mischievous and impishly dynamic.

“I’m trying to create a world around my music. And this world needs to be pure, real, honest and beautiful but still a little interesting, dark and definitely mysterious.” Kerli notes “Love Is Dead” as her favorite track off her debut album. “It’s hard and dark enough, yet beautiful and light. When I shot the video for that song, I looked into that camera and sang to every person who has ever hurt me. It was almost like a therapeutic experience.”

Kerli has undoubtedly created anthems for the youth of today. Her beautiful voice is strong, determined and at some times unpredictable, not unlike her personality. She has admitted to not wanting to follow the example of any of her musical peers or predecessors. “Silence and my own thoughts are much more inspiring to me than someone else’s song. I don’t think any other artist has ever even influenced me that much, really. Music just comes from such a sacred place and it either comes to you or not.”

Listen to “Love Is Dead,” the first single from Kerli’s Island Records debut EP ‘Kerli’.

The EP is now available for purchase on iTunes.

For more Kerli information, visit:

Kerli on Myspace
Kerli on Island Records

One of two new songs to be included on the Greatest Hits collection, “That’s How People Grow Up” was recorded in Houston, Texas with Jerry Finn, producer of 2004’s widely acclaimed No. 2 album ‘You Are The Quarry’. Morrissey is currently working with Finn on his new studio album, the follow-up to 2006’s No. 1 ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors’. The new LP is scheduled for an Autumn 2008 release.

“That’s How People Grow Up” will be made available on CD and two 7″ vinyls, backed with live versions of “The Last Of The Famous International Playboys” (Morrissey’s 3rd single), “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side” (by The Smiths) and “Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself” all recorded on the recent North American tour. A live version of “That’s How People Grow Up” will be available as a digital exclusive.

Morrissey tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Morrissey’s Official Website for the latest tour dates.
SOLD OUT SHOWS – check listings for the latest information.
21st January 2008 London, Roundhouse
22nd January 2008 London, Roundhouse
23rd January 2008 London, Roundhouse
25th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
26th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
27th January 2008 London, Roundhouse
30th January 2008 Doncaster, Dome
1st February 2008 Sunderland, Empire
2nd February 2008 Edinburgh Playhouse

CD Single backed with “The Last Of The Famous International Playboys” (Recorded Live At The Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Nebraska, 11th May, 2007)

7″ single number 1 backed with “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side” (Recorded Live At Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City, 27th October, 2007)

7″ single number 2 backed with “Why Don’t You Find Out For Yourself” (Recorded Live At Thanksgiving Point, Salt Lake City, UT 15th October, 2007)

Greatest Hits set for release on 11th February 2008 on Polydor/Decca

“That’s How People Grow Up” set for release on 4th February 2008

New studio album scheduled for Autumn 2008

Morrissey Website
Morrissey on Myspace – Official

Having sold more than 200 million albums around the world since her American debut in 1990, Celine Dion releases “Eyes On Me” on Sony BMG January 7th, 2008 in the UK – the second single taken from her critically acclaimed Top 5 album ‘Taking Chances’.

“Eyes On Me” has an R&B edge with a middle-eastern vibe. It was co-penned by Delta Goodrem (who also provides backing vocals on the track), Kristian Lundin and Savan Kotecha and is a smash-hit in the making.

On December 15th 2007, Celine Dion took her final bows on the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where she has enjoyed a record-breaking five-year run of sold-out performances with her spectacular show, A New Day. The show which has been documented will be released on DVD – A New Day – Live in Vegas – plus 3 excusive documentaries on December 10th, 2007.

Watch video clip: Celine Dion – her final Las Vegas performance at Caesars Palace:

Celine Dion’s ‘An Audience With’ is scheduled to be on our TV screens in the UK on ITV – December 22nd, 2007. She’ll be touring the UK May 2008.

Celine Dion – A New Day – Live in Las Vegas [Blu-ray] on amazon.co.uk

Live In Las Vegas – A New Day.. on amazon.com

Celine Dion 2008 / 2009 World tour dates:

Dates could change! Go to Celine Dion’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

February 14, 2008 The Coca-Cola Dome Johannesburg, South Africa*
February 16, 2008 Loftus Stadium Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
February 17, 2008 Loftus Stadium Pretoria Tswane, South Africa
February 20, 2008 ABSA Stadium Durban, South Africa
February 23, 2008 Vergelegen Estate Cape Town, South Africa (GA)**
February 24, 2008 Vergelegen Estate Cape Town, South Africa (GA)**
February 27, 2008 EPRU Rugby Stadium Port Elizabeth, South Africa (GA)**
February 29, 2008 The Coca-Cola Dome – Johannesburg, South Africa*
March 3, 2008 Athletic Stadium – Doha, Qatar
March 5, 2008 Rugby Club – Dubai, UAE
March 8, 2008 Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan
March 9, 2008 Tokyo Dome – Tokyo, Japan
March 11, 2008 Osaka Dome – Osaka, Japan
March 12, 2008 Osaka Dome – Osaka, Japan
March 26, 2008 Entertainment Center – Brisbane, Australia
March 28, 2008 ACER Arena – Sydney, Australia
April 1, 2008 Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne, Australia
April 4, 2008 MES Stadium – Perth, Australia
May 2, 2008 MEN Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom
May 3, 2008 MEN Arena – Manchester, United Kingdom
May 6, 2008 O2 Arena – London, United Kingdom
May 8, 2008 O2 Arena – London, United Kingdom
May 13, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 14, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 16, 2008 Sportpaleis Antwerp, Belgium
May 19, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 20, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 21, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 24, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 25, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 27, 2008 Palais Omnisports – Bercy Paris, France
May 30, 2008 Croke Park – Dublin, Ireland
June 2, 2008 Amsterdam Arena – Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 5, 2008 Parken – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 7, 2008 AB Stockholm Globe Arena – Stockholm, Sweden
June 12, 2008 Waldbuhne – Berlin, Germany
June 14, 2008 Commerzbank-Arena – Frankfurt, Germany
June 16, 2008 Schleyerhalle – Stuttgart, Germany
June 18, 2008 Kolnarena – Cologne, Germany
June 20, 2008 Color Line Arena – Hamburg, Germany
June 22, 2008 Olympiastadium – Munich, Germany
June 24, 2008 Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland
July 1, 2008 Stadthalle – Vienna, Austria
July 5, 2008 Stade C. Erhmann Nikaia – Nice, France
July 9, 2008 Stade de la Praille – Geneva, Switzerland
August 12, 2008 TB Banknorth Garden – Boston, USA
August 15, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 16, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 18, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 20, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 23, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 25, 2008 Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada
August 27, 2008 Air Canada Centre – Toronto, Canada
August 28, 2008 Air Canada Centre – Toronto, Canada
September 3, 2008 HSBC Arena – Buffalo, USA
September 5, 2008 Wachovia Center – Philadelphia, USA
September 8, 2008 Verizon Center – Washington, USA
September 12, 2008 Prudential Center – Newark, USA
September 13, 2008 Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, USA
September 15, 2008 Madison Square Garden – New York, USA
September 20, 2008 Boadwalk Hall – Atlantic City, USA
September 22, 2008 Schottenstein Center – Columbus, USA
September 24, 2008 Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, USA
September 26, 2008 Palace of Auburn Hills – Detroit, USA
September 29, 2008 Bradley Center – Milwaukee, USA
October 14, 2008 ARCO Arena – Sacramento, USA
October 16, 2008 Rose Garden – Portland, USA
October 18, 2008 Tacomadome – Tacoma, USA
October 20, 2008 GM Place – Vancouver, Canada
October 24, 2008 Rexall Place – Edmonton, Canada
October 25, 2008 Rexall Place – Edmonton, Canada
October 28, 2008 MTS Centre – Winnipeg, Canada
October 30, 2008 Target Center – Minneapolis, USA
November 4, 2008 United Center – Chicago, USA
November 9, 2008 Conseco Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, USA
November 11, 2008 Scottrade Center – St.Louis, USA
November 13, 2008 BOK Center – Tulsa, USA
November 15, 2008 Sprint Center – Kansas City, USA
November 17, 2008 Qwest Center Omaha – Omaha, USA
November 19, 2008 Pepsi Center – Denver, USA
November 21, 2008 EnergySolutions Arena – Salt Lake City, USA
November 23, 2008 HP Pavillion – San Jose, USA
November 29, 2008 Honda Center – Anaheim, USA
December 2, 2008 STAPLES Center – Los Angeles, USA
December 6, 2008 Jobing.com Arena – Phoenix, USA
January 7, 2009 AT&T Center – San Antonio, USA
January 9, 2009 Toyota Center – Houston, USA
January 13, 2009 Sommet Center – Nashville, USA
January 15, 2009 BJCC Arena – Birmingham, USA
January 17, 2009 Philips Arena – Atlanta, USA
January 20, 2009 RBC Center – Raleigh, USA
January 23, 2009 American Airlines Arena – Miami, USA
January 28, 2009 St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, USA
January 30, 2009 BankAtlantic Center – Fort Lauderdale, USA

*Charity Show – Not Included in the TeamCeline Presale.
**(GA) General Admission Concert

Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

Taking Chances on amazon.co.uk

For more information about the tour, to purchase tickets and more, go to:

Celine Dion Official Website
Celine Dion on Myspace

For years, I had heard of the band Godsmack, but never really knew much about them. A friend of mine, here in England, recently read Godsmack frontman/founder Sully Erna’s autobiography, The Paths We Choose – and it was funny to find out that Sully comes from Massachusetts and now lives in New Hampshire – my old state. The band was pretty much in my backyard the whole time, but it took someone in England to turn me on to them.

Sully Erna seems like a cool guy. I watched a couple interviews with him on YouTube and I like his open mindedness towards life and music. When I listen to Godsmack I can’t help but think of Metallica and Alice In Chains, so I’m glad that Sully’s up front about them being his influences – along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

Originally a drummer, there’s also footage on YouTube of Sully Erna and Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin’s drum battle “Batalla De Los Tambores” from Godsmack’s DVD “Changes”. You’ve gotta love the way the drums slide onto the stage. They sound great – and it’s good to hear the Rush segment at the end. (You can also find that video on Shannon Larkin’s Yamaha page.)

Click here for more Godsmack videos

“I Stand Alone”, the first single off of Godsmack’s third studio album, ‘Faceless’ was featured on the soundtrack for The Scorpion King and is also in the video game, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (Watch video), along with “Straight Out of Line”. They’ve had other songs in movies, and I think it’s always good to see bands getting their music in movie soundtracks. I wonder if Godsmack will do more with video games? I think they should.

To celebrate 10 years as a band, Godsmack released their Greatest Hits album, ‘Good Times, Bad Times… Ten Years of Godsmack’ December 4th, 2007 on Universal.

The Greatest Hits album includes most of their commercially released singles along with a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times, Bad Times”. The video for it is fun to watch, but seeing the opening shots of Boston like the bridge, the infamous Citgo sign and the fan wearing the Red Sox shirt makes me feel a little homesick!

Watch Godsmack – “Good Times, Bad Times” video on Yahoo

Good Times, Bad Times – 10 Years Of Godsmack on amazon.com

Good Times Bad Times: + DVD on amazon.co.uk (UK release – December 10th, 2007)

Track listing:

1. Good Times, Bad Times
2. Whatever
3. Keep Away
4. Voodoo
5. Bad Religion
6. Awake
7. Greed
8. I Stand Alone
9. Straight Out of Line
10. Serenity
11. Re-Align
12. Running Blind
13. Touche
14. Speak
15. Shine Down
16. The Enemy

+ 75 minute DVD acoustic performance filmed in Las Vegas (check listings).

Musicians on album:

Sully Erna – vocals, guitar, drums
Tony Rombola – guitar, backing vocals
Robbie Merrill – bass, backing vocals
Tommy Stewart – drums
Shannon Larkin – drums

For more information, go to:

Godsmack on Myspace
Godsmack Official Website

Drawing of Sully Erna credit: Milek Jakubiec

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs