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Vagabond Play iTunes Festival, The Roundhouse, This Thursday
Special Guests To Simple Minds

Xenomania New Stars Alex Gardner and Pageboy Also On The Bill

Vagabond play the Roundhouse this Thursday (July 16th) as part of the iTunes Festival and special guests to Simple Minds.

Also featuring on the night are Xenomania’s newest stars Alex Gardner and Pageboy.

Alex Gardner kicks the night off at 6pm, with Pageboy to follow at 6.30pm.

Alex Gardner: 6.00pm
Pageboy: 6.30pm
Vagabond: 8.00pm

Buy Music:

Vagabond on amazon.co.uk

Vagabond on amazon.com

iTunes Festival Official Website

Vagabond MySpace
Vagabond on Twitter

Vagabond’s summer is taking off in style. Having hit the road hard in recent weeks touring the UK with some of our biggest acts, the band are to be special guests at a series of huge open-air gigs, they play three major festivals (Glastonbury, T in The Park, V) and are to release their much-anticipated debut single and album.

Watch "Sweat (Until The Morning)" video:

Buy Music:

Vagabond on amazon.co.uk

Vagabond on amazon.com

Vagabond’s album ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’, out August 17, 2009, is to be the first release on the newly launched Geffen Records and is preceded by the anthemic single "Don’t Wanna Run No More", out August 3rd, already championed by Jo Whiley: “They sound huge this band. (This) is a massive song” Jo Whiley - Radio 1.

The band kicked off their summer last week as special guests to The Script at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, followed by shows with McFly, James Morrison and The Saturdays.

In addition to their festival dates they finish with a string of headline shows at the end of August.

Vagabond UK Summer tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

June 2009
Tue 23rd MANCHESTER, Apollo with The Saturdays
Wed 24th LONDON Apollo with The Saturdays
Fri 26th YORKSHIRE, Dalby Forest with Mcfly
Sat 27th KENT, Cricket Club with James Morrison
Sun 28th GLASTONBURY, Festival Queens Head Stage

July 2009
Sat 4th LONDON, Kenwood House with James Morrison
Tue 7th LIVERPOOL, Arena with James Morrison
Fri 10th T IN THE PARK, Festival
Sat 11th LIVERPOOL, Arena with Mcfly
Sun 12th NEWCASTLE, Mouth Of The Tyne Festival
DURHAM, Cricket Club with James Morrison
Fri 17th ROCHESTER, Castle with Mcfly

August 2009
Thu 6th LONDON, Bush Hall
Fri 7th SOUTHAMPTON, Joiners
Mon 10th NOTTINGHAM, Bodega
Tue 11th MANCHESTER, Moho
Wed 12th GLASGOW, King Tuts
Fri 14th LEEDS, Cockpit
Sat 15th NORWICH, Arts Centre
Mon 17th LIVERPOOL, Masque
Sat 22nd STAFFORDSHIRE, V Festival Union Stage
Sun 23rd CHELMSFORD, V Festival Union Stage

“They could be the world’s biggest new band.” - The Guardian

“Vargas has the charisma and the talent - Verve-like ‘Don’t Wanna Run No More’ and ‘I’ve been Wanting You’, sounds like huge future hits.” - Sunday Times Culture

“The debut album from this Geffen-signed act is packed with huge pop moments that ooze international appeal.” - Music Week

Vagabond MySpace
Vagabond on Twitter

Paolo Nutini looks destined for No.1 come Sunday with his stunning new album ‘Sunny Side Up’. The record was top of the midweek’s and looks set to carry on in the same vein.

Paolo sets off on a 15-date tour in September and has summer festival shows booked in Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, T in the Park, Oxygen and V. He also plays the iTunes Live Festival, July 10, 2009 at the Roundhouse.

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Kasabian are also taking part in the month long iTunes Festival at the Roundhouse, July 22nd. The band kicked off their 20-date sold out tour with a trio of emphatic hometown gigs in Leicester and played the first of their 9 massive stadium dates with Oasis in Manchester last night.

Their eagerly anticipated new album ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ is out on Monday. The band’s new single ‘Fire’, which was released on Monday is No.1 on the iTunes Chart and riding high at No.3 in the midweek’s.

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Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appeared on stage for the first public viewing of Beatles Rock Band, released September 9th. The karaoke-style game lets users use adapted game controllers - lead guitar, bass guitar and drums - to play along to various songs. George Harrison's widow, Olivia also attended the premiere.

The Beatles: Rock Band on amazon.com

The Beatles: Rock Band on amazon.co.uk

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Jersey Budd is setting himself up for a royal summer. He supported his mates Kasabian last weekend in a trio of raucous hometown shows on the opening nights of their tour and plays support to The Enemy, Somerset House, July 11th. Jersey also has 5 festival shows booked including Isle Of Wight Festival and Glastonbury.

He releases his anthemic single ‘She Came Back’ next month, which features guest vocals from Kasabian’s front man Tom Meighan.

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Just Jack kicks off his short UK tour in Liverpool on Sunday, which features a show at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday (June 11th). No doubt he will be showcasing tracks from his impressive new album ‘All Night Cinema’. Jack also plays Glastonbury this month and supports Lily Allen at Somerset House, July 11th.

Jack was DJ for the night at the Glamour Awards on Tuesday as part of the aftershow party in Berkeley Square.

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Mark Ronson was also at the Glamour Awards on Tuesday, presenting Adele with her solo artist of the year award. Mark plays the Southbank Centre’s Meltdown Festival, June 14th alongside Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band, Sean Lennon and special guests.

Pearl Jam premiered their track ‘Got Some’ from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘Backspacer’ on the debut of the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on Monday night. The band’s ninth studio album is set for release in the autumn.

Pearl Jam performance on the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien June 1, 2009:

Watch Pearl Jam on The Tonight Show video:

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Vagabond release their free download single ‘Sweat (Until The Morning)’ as an iTunes/Bebo exclusive next week. This will be followed up by ‘Don’t Wanna Run No More’ (August 3rd), which has already received airplay by Radio One’s Jo Whiley from their debut album ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’ (August 17th).

Vagabond support The Script at Shepherd’s Bush Hall, June 17th. Check the live schedule for more Vagabond live dates.

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Tom Hickox was in scintillating form at Earl’s Court Troubadour on Tuesday. He impressed the crowd with his captivating live show and quintessential charm. Tom releases his beautiful track ‘The Pretty Pride Of Russia’ as a limited edition demo, June 15, 2009.

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Elvis Costello released his new album ‘Secret, Profane & Sugarcane’ on Monday, which has garnered many glowing reviews. He releases the lead single from his record ‘Complicated Shadows’ next Monday (June 8th).

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The Fray return with their single ‘Never Say Never’, next week, the second single from their UK Top Ten self-titled album, which went straight to No.1 in the US.

On Tuesday it was announced that The Beatles’ entire back catalogue has been digitally remastered for the first time. As a result, the catalogue has never sounded better without losing the authenticity of the original recordings. The worldwide CD release will coincide with the eagerly anticipated Beatles: Rock Band video game, on September, 2009.

Karima Francis’ performance of her glorious track "Francis" from her debut album ‘The Author’ is on Later with Jools Holland tomorrow night, Friday the 10th.

You can also see her exquisite version of Kings Of Leon’s hit "Use Somebody" for the BBC Jools Holland website.

Karima’s next single is set to be "Chasing The Morning Light" out June 22, 2009.

Russell Brand releases his highly anticipated Radio 2 shows as a 4-disc box set on Monday. Titled ‘The Best Of What’s Legal’ the box set features Russell Brand’s radio cohort Matt Morgan, resident poet Mr Gee and sometimes stalwart Noel Gallagher. There are also guest appearances from Simon Amstell, Alan Carr, Noel Fielding and many more.

Russell is currently bringing his hugely popular live comedy tour to a close with shows in Glasgow, Hammersmith and Cardiff. He then brings the curtain down in spectacular fashion at the O2, April 17th.

Kasabian unleashed their explosive track "Vlad The Impaler" last week and the reaction was incredible. The track achieved over 65,000 downloads and the video featuring Noel Fielding received over 30,000 hits on YouTube.

Jason Mraz finished off his short jaunt of the UK this week, which featured two sold out gigs at Hammersmith Apollo. He releases his infectious new single "Make It Mine" on Monday. The track is on the Radio 2 A-list and Radio One B-list.

Vagabond brought their stunning live show to Madame JoJo’s last night, as they showcased tracks from their impressive debut album ‘You Don’t Know The Half Of It’. The irrepressible front man Alex Vargas was in fine form, much to the delight of their growing legion of fans. Stay tuned for more news of a Vagabond tour shortly.

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).

Vagabond have been confirmed as the main support to James Morrison on his 15 date UK Spring tour.

Fronted by the irrepressible Alex Vargas, the band have just returned from the Mojave desert where they shot the video for their debut single "Sweat (Until The Morning)", directed by Paul Minor (Glasvegas, Editors, Muse) and the first single to be released on the newly revived Geffen label (May 11th).

Produced by Brian Higgins, the tracks flit between earthy, soulful pop and synth-tinged rock. Every track is steeped in melody and eager for the airwaves. Their debut LP 'You Don't Know The Half Of It' is released May 25, 2009.

Vagabond on amazon.co.uk

James Morrison / Vagabond 2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

March 2009
Thu 19th MANCHESTER, Apollo
Fri 20th MANCHESTER, Apollo
Sat 21st BRISTOL, Colston
Mon 23rd GLASGOW, O2 Academy
Tue 24th NEWCASTLE, O2 Academy
Thu 26th PORTSMOUTH, Guildhall
Fri 27th EXETER, Uni Great Hall
Sat 28th SHREWSBURY, Theatre Severn
Mon 30th LONDON, Hammersmith Apollo
Tue 31st LONDON, Royal Albert Hall

April 2009
Thu 2nd LEEDS, O2 Academy
Fri 3rd NOTTINGHAM, Royal Concert Hall
Sat 4th BIRMINGHAM, O2 Academy
Mon 6th SHEFFIELD, O2 Academy
Tue 7th BOURNEMOUTH, BIC

Vagabond's current tour dates:

February 2009
Sat 21st COVENTRY, Colosseum
Sun 22nd GLASGOW, King Tut's
Wed 25th LONDON, The Fly

March 2009
Mon 9th CAMBRIDGE, Portland
Tue 10th BRISTOL, Lanes
Wed 11th EXETER, Hub
Thu 12th LONDON, Water Rats
Fri 13th HERTFORD, Marquee
Sat 14th PORTSMOUTH, Drift Bar

For more information, go to:

Vagabond MySpace

Even six inches of snow couldn't keep Rufus Wainwright from speaking at the Oxford Union yesterday afternoon.

In an amusing and informative hour long Q&A session he talked about his forthcoming opera Prima Donna, reminisced about Jeff Buckley, talked about making his next album with just piano and vocals. "I'm the opposite of Dylan, I'm going backwards, I'm going acoustic!" he joked, keeping the 200 plus crowd warm with laughter.

Rufus won't be in sunny LA for the Grammy Awards this Sunday, where he has been nominated in the hotly contested 'Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album' category (for 'Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall').

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Grammy's will be a performance by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.

Jason Mraz will also be in attendance. He's been nominated in 3 categories: Song of the Year (for 'I'm Yours'), Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Engineered Album.

His album 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things' is unstoppable at present and has just turned Gold and is still sitting in the Top Ten this week. His irresistible single "I'm Yours" is knocking on the door of the Top Ten and is currently No.11 in the chart.

Tickets for the summer leg of Madonna's phenomenally successful 'Sticky & Sweet Tour' went on sale today in London and Manchester and sold out in minutes.

Madonna brings her acclaimed 'Sticky & Sweet Tour' to London's 02 Arena July 4th, 2009 and Manchester's MEN Arena July 7th.

Karima Francis is continuing to make waves this year, her infectious new single "Again", out March 9, 2009, is the Radio 2 record of the week next week.

If you haven't seen Karima she is playing London's Barfly on Tuesday (Feb 10th). A must see gig and a chance to hear tracks from her forthcoming debut album 'The Author', out March 23rd. Details of her new UK tour in March will be announced next week.

We're very excited about the new Lightning Seeds album in June, their first in ten years. Ian Broudie is back and has penned a disc full of wonderful new songs.

Early reaction to the Depeche Mode album 'Sounds of the Universe' is hugely positive. First single "Wrong" is a fine introduction and "Peace" seems to be a firm favourite. We can't wait for the 02 show in May.

Will Young's Question Time appearance raised more than eyebrows last night as it got the highest ratings for the last six years with 750,000 extra tuning in.

Vagabond played a short, tight set last week at Water Rats. They just keep getting better and better. Ladies down the front swooned over Irrepressible front man Alex Vargas, he really is one to watch.

Debut single "Sweat (Until The Morning)" sounds cracking live as does "I've Been Waiting" and "Don't Wanna Run No More". This guitar based six piece have an r&b pop sound like no one else.
We can't wait for their debut album in May. Their producer Brian Higgins was in the audience on Tuesday.

Sara Cox has been bigging up Just Jack's hot new single "Embers" out March 30th. She gave the track its first ever airplay and has been playing it ever since.

Just Jack releases his new album 'All Night Cinema' April 6th, with news of a tour to follow very soon.

The Fray release their eagerly anticipated self-titled new album on Monday (Feb 9th). On Tuesday (Feb 10th) they will showcase the album at a sold out show at the Scala.

Jersey Budd will support at Starsailor on Wednesday (Feb 11th) at The Luminaire.

Robyn Hitchcock has a busy week in-store. He kicks off his 11-date UK tour tomorrow (Feb 7th) in Glasgow, featuring a must see gig at London's Union Chapel (Feb 12th). Next week he releases his stunning album 'Goodnight Oslo'.

Miss this at your peril, R.E.M. re-release their seminal album 'Murmur' on Monday. The 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition features that original landmark album re-mastered plus an additional disc with a previously unreleased concert recorded at Larry's Hideaway in Toronto three months after Murmur's April release.

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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