They may not get played on the radio any more, and they may not have had a hit record for 20 years or so, but Status Quo have been named the hardest working band in the British music scene for 2009. Fellow oldie Cliff Richard came second. I thought stamina was meant to fade with age.

How do you judge how big and successful an artist is these days? Is it purely down to record sales, even though these can be manipulated by a number of factors (one of which has an X in front of it). Or is there more …read more

It’s difficult to remember a time when Susan Boyle wasn’t a worldwide hit and renowned singer. And yet it was only April when the Scottish virgin burst onto our TV screens via Britain’s Got Talent. And now her I Dreamed A Dream debut album has topped the bestsellers of 2009.

Whether you love or hate her, think that she is one of the finest singers of all time or completely overrated, you cannot deny Susan Boyle has had a revelation of a 2009.

The UK music charts may mean less now than they used to but they’re still an indicator of what’s hot on the popular British music scene right now. This week’s Top 10 singles and Top 10 albums are listed below.

The singles chart sees Jay-Z straight in at number one, with the Sugababes having to settle for number two with Get Sexy. Dizzee Rascal drops from one to four, while Kings Of Leon are still in the Top 10 with Sex On Fire.
The albums chart sees Arctic Monkeys still at the top with Humbug, while Vera Lynn (wartime sweetheart) has …read more

The Cribs made waves on the indie music scene a few years ago with the three Jarman brothers (the British version of the Kings of Leon?) producing brilliant lo-fi rock music which turned them into cult favorites on the British music scene.

Things then changed when they were joined by former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. The Cribs are now back with a new single and new album, their first new material since the change in line-up.
The new album, Ignore The Ignorant, is due to be released next week, but it’s preceded by this new single, Cheat On Me. Johnny Marr’s …read more

21:01 – It’s Take That’s turn to take to the stage. And they clearly need no introduction, coming straight on after Kings of Leon finish their acceptance speech. They descend from the ceiling singing Greatest Day. They’re all wearing spectacles and look like geeks. Have I missed something?
21:06 – James Corden looks like a penguin in his suit, while Matthew Horne looks like he belongs in the 1980s. Nick Frost arrives on stage with very long, straggly hair to present the award for ‘British Live Act’. If Scouting for Girls win it, I swear I’ll scream. And the winner is… …read more

The full line-up for this year’s Glastonbury Festival is due to be officially announced at midnight on Tuesday April 29th, but has instead been leaked by an eagle-eyed reader.
Someone posted photos on the eFestivals forum supposedly taken from the latest issue of Q magazine, which is due out tomorrow.
We’ve already heard that the headliners on the main stage are due to be Jay-Z (controversially), Kings Of Leon and The Verve, but the rest of the line-up looks even tastier.

Today is the last day to register for your chance to obtain tickets for the Glastonbury Festival.
Although tickets won’t actually go on sale until April 6th, everyone who wants to be in the queue, needs to have registered by midnight tonight (March 14th) or miss the chance until next year (if there is a Glastonbury next year).
The policy is part of several anti-tout measures brought in in recent years, after the site was overrun by non or fake ticket holders.
Unfortunately this also means uploading a passport style picture now, which should you be successful in buying a ticket in …read more

Well at least The Park Stage. We already know that Jay-Z, Kings of Leon and The Verve will headline the main Pyramid Stage, but now it looks as like Britain’s resident junkie (male version of Amy Winehouse) will be the big draw on The Park Stage.
According to NME, Doherty will play a solo show on the stage, rather than playing a set with his band Babyshambles.
As much as I dislike the guy, and would pay NOT to see him live, he certainly has the capacity to bring the crowds in, after selling out his recently announced show at the Royal …read more

Yes, if you take Emily Eavis’ thoughts on the matter as hard fact. No, if you take more notice of Michael Eavis’ denials on the whole business.
Michael Eavis has been organising the Glastonbury festival in the UK for 38 years now, but recently starting sharing the responsibility with his daughter, and now co-organiser Emily. The problem is, she sometimes puts her foot in more than just the annual mud bath.
Speaking to Orange World Emily Eavis said a few days ago:
“I kinda feel that we should ply everything into this as if it be the last. It’s a risky, risky business …read more

Have you ever wanted to own Oasis‘ Noel Gallagher’s guitar? No?
Ok, erm then what about a pair of Johnny Borrell from Razorlight’s trademark white drainpipe jeans? No again? Well then don’t bid on either of these lots at a forthcoming auction for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust.
Indie promoters Trekstock are organising the auction with all money going to the cancer charity. Other Indie stars coveted possessions up for grabs include a signed guitar from the Kings Of Leon, a signed Klaxons T-shirt and a guitar signed by the whole of Art Brut.
Click here for the main MySpace page about …read more