Arcade Fire announce new album tracklisting plus Reading And Leeds Festivals warm-up

Arcade Fire have announced the tracklisting for new album 'The Suburbs' - as well as details of a warm-up gig in London to prepare for their headline appearance at the Reading And Leeds Festivals this August.

The album, which is released on August 3, has the following tracklisting:

'The Suburbs'
'Ready to Start'
'Modern Man'
'Rococo'
'Empty Room'
'City With No Children'
'Half Light I'
'Half Light II (No Celebration)'
'Suburban War'
'Month of May'
'Wasted Hours'
'Deep Blue'
'We Used to Wait'
'Sprawl I (Flatland)'
'Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)'
'The Suburbs (continued)'

The venue for the band's London warm-up gig is being kept secret at present, but fans wanting to go are being urged to pre-order the album from Store.Universal-Music.co.uk. Once an order has been taken, the buyer will qualify for a pre-sale of tickets to the gig, which will take place during the first week of July.

All those who qualify for the tickets will be offered tickets on a first come-first served basis.

See Store.Universal-Music.co.uk for more information.

Earlier this month (June 7), Arcade Fire previewed 'The Suburbs' live with a comeback gig in Granada Theatre, in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

U2 'lose £100m over cancelled tour'

Bono could cost U2 £100million.

The lead singer of U2 has been told by doctors to rest for two months following emergency back surgery and will now miss out on the start of the group's US leg of their 360 Degree tour.

Bono was said to be “heartbroken” after pulling out of 17 US dates and Glastonbury festival in the UK, and now the problem may hit his bank balance too.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Bono and the band are covered by insurance but the cost of overheads and missed revenue could easily reach £100 million by the time he's fit enough to perform again."

Paul McGuinness, the manager of the Irish group – made up of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. - said: "If we play or not, touring still costs us £500,000 a day."

Earlier this month bassist Adam Clayton admitted he and his bandmates would have been happy to put on a simpler tour, but Bono had other plans.

He said: "It was Bono's vision. He's that kind of performer. I think the rest of us would be happy to stand on an old beer crate but he's the person working the stage."

New tour dates are expected to be released later this week.

Ozzy Osbourne, Muse and Weezer Headlining Voodoo Experience Festival

Ozzy Osbourne, Muse and Weezer are set to headline this year's Voodoo Experience Festival in New Orleans that will be held Oct. 29-31. Over 100 bands will play the 12-year-old event, which is held annually over Halloween weekend.

In a press release, heavy metal hero Ozzy Osbourne, a first-timer at Voodoo said, "I can't think of a better way to celebrate Halloween then with a performance in New Orleans."

Other confirmed artists include MGMT, Drake, Florence and the Machine, Paul van Dyk, Hot Chip, Metric, Deadmau5, Street Sweeper Social Club, Jakob Dylan and Three Legs, Jonsi, Eagles of Death Metal, Cage the Elephant, the Airborne Toxic Event, Minus the Bear, Janelle Monae and a reconvened Interpol.

This year's festival will feature a wide variety of musical genres including electronic artists, who've been mostly overlooked in past years. Also, the festival will honor the city's musical bedrock of traditional jazz and Delta blues while exploring new collaborations including collaborations by Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Stanton Moore Trio and Anders Osborne; Robert Walter with Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars featuring Tab Benoit; and Uncle Lionel Batiste with Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm.

The performances will be held in New Orleans historic City Park, near the famed French Quarter. Tickets for the Voodoo Experience can be purchased at the festival's official website.

Kasabian Want To Play Glastonbury Next Year

The `Fire' hitmakers had such a good time performing at last year's event that they are hoping to be asked to top the bill at the world-famous music festival - which takes place in Worthy Farm, Somerset, South England, every June - in 2011.

Singer Tom Meighan said: I remember the sun going down and I had straw jacket on and long hair blowing everywhere all these flags - it was wonderful.

"Last year was amazing so hopefully we'll be about next year and play it."

The group were one of many names linked to replacing U2 - who were forced to pull out of this year's Glastonbury after singer Bono suffered a spinal injury - but insist they were never asked, though they imagine the Irish rockers will be upset about being unable to play.

He added to BANG Showbiz: "It's sad about Bono because he'll be distraught."

Following their festival commitments this summer, Kasabian are planning to go back to the recording studio, but are keeping tight-lipped about who they will be working with on the follow-up to their 2009 LP `West Ryder Pauper Lunatics Asylum'.

He said:" We've got a record coming. We're going to start recording it in the winter, in October. I can't give you any names - I can't say anything."

Pretty Green - Year One

He was voted 'The Greatest Front Man of All Time' by Q magazine earlier in 2010. But Liam Gallagher's no longer merely an iconic rock star. His menswear label Pretty Green has clobbered naysayers with its first three collections. Hard-to-please London fashionistas are reported to be 'pleasantly surprised' indeed some 'very impressed'. Moreover, customers have voted with their wallets on Pretty Green's combination of high production values and classic looks spun with street-style acumen.

Liam has also found time to announce his first movie production. The Longest Cocktail Party which is a "behind the scenes movie" of The Beatles no less, adapted from the word-of-mouth smash book by former Apple Corps 'house hippie' Richard DiLello. And as if that's not enough he is currently in the studio working on a new album with his band Beady Eye.

One year on from the original launch of Pretty Green on June 4th 2009, I met up with Liam at one of his preferred Hampstead watering holes to get his own impression of the last twelve months - and find out what he's planning for the coming year.

Has it been a hectic period since you started Pretty Green?

"Not for me mate, not hectic one bit. It is for other people. If it was hectic I wouldn't be doing it. It's been a good year, man."

Was it a surprise, Pretty Green taking off quite so quickly?

"I'm liking the way it's expanding and all that - it's been great and people seem to like it, the clothes and everything. But am I surprised..? No. Without sounding like an arrogant fucker, no I'm not. Because it's good, isn't it? And people like good things."

True, do you feel the pressure to produce collections that are expected twice yearly, as opposed to albums that are only due once every 2 years or so?

"Not really... You'd have to ask everyone else, It's not hard for me. It's a buzz isn't it man? Making new clothes. It's not hard for me pointing out things, saying 'Yes' or 'No' and 'Do it this way', bringing my ideas to the table. But I'm sure it's hard for the others at times."

What new designs can we expect?

"We've got footwear coming out - pumps, desert boots, jeans, you know - as usual with a twist. Some top jackets, like Steve McQueen used to wear. All sorts, something for everyone - shorts for the summer..."

And what items have been the most successful of the three collections to date?

"Everything man. The parkas were obviously popular but the big logo T-shirts, the polos, monkey jackets, everything does well. It's all popular man."

Sounds like you guys have been very busy, How many people are working for you on the brand now?

"I haven't got a clue man. But every time I look we've got someone new. Last time I checked it was around 30."

Your website receives very flattering comments from Pretty Green customers all over the world. Was a good website an important element for you, being someone with a global fan base?

"Yeah, without a doubt. Everything's important. Pretty Green, the whole package, it's the real deal. And that's why it's important to make sure everything we do is done right. The website's great, I'm proud of it and it looks good."

How many countries do Pretty Green sell to now?

"The last time I checked it was over 80 countries now, so a little birdie told me."

That's rather impressive for a company only 12 months old.

"Yeah, I suppose so. But we've only just started."

Which countries are currently your biggest customers?

"The UK has always been very strong, but Japan, the US, Italy and Germany are doing great. Come to think of it, Scandinavia is as well."

And in the UK what are the main stores stocking Pretty Green?

"Selfridges, who are increasing Pretty Green's space this September to make it even bigger, Cruise & Xile in Glasgow, Sarah Coggles in York, and Psyche in Middlesbrough."

What about your own Pretty Green store?

"Definitely man. We're just waiting for the right place to come along, and I'm not gonna rush into it. We're looking to do a temporary store in London this summer, the website will tell you where and when it's happening..."

In addition to the long list of movie stars, rock icons, DJs and TV presenters already wearing Pretty Green, a number of this year's World Cup footballers have been spotted sporting the label - namely England's Joe Cole and Jermaine Defoe plus key members of the Italian squad who are said to be huge fans of the brand. This is an amazing accomplishment for a label that's only a year old. What do you put your success down to?

"Me!"

Joe Cole is clearly a big fan of the brand, would you be happy if he signs for Man City?

"Yeah, I will. I think Joe Cole is a top player. He can always turn the game around, d'you know what I mean? So, yeah, I'm having him man. He's got a lot of energy."

Are you glad he is part of the England Team?

"I am glad Joe Cole was part of it and I'm glad Shaun Wright Phillips is too."

So you are going to be stuck to the TV when the World Cup is on?

"Without a doubt!"

Paul Weller - himself a style icon to more than one generation - wore a Pretty Green suit onstage during his five-night, sold-out, run at the royal Albert Hall in May. He stated here on Pretty Green News that he's going to work on some designs of his own with Pretty Green. Will this open the doors for others to follow or is this something that you will strictly control?

"Well... We will definitely control it, but yeah... I mean, I know Liam Howlett from The Prodigy. He was talking to me the other night about maybe doing the same kind of thing. We'll see how it goes. The ball's in their court. But it's good that Paul Wellers' doing it, 'cos he's cool and he's into his stuff. It's got to be the right people."

Moving on what else have you been up to other than the fashion stuff?

"I've been recording our fantastic new record with a musical pop combo called Beady Eye, sorting out the film, and working on Pretty Green's new designs."

Busy then! I hear you even manage to find time for running?

"Yes, I'm a keen runner. Every morning man. Got to be done."

The film's a strong concept, how did you come across it?

"Someone gave me the book ages ago and it was always knocking around our tour. I read it over and over. Couldn't stop reading it. One of them books you can't put down. And I just thought: "There's nothing else to do, now Oasis have split up I can do what I want."

Yoko Ono is clearly a fan after her recent comments. Have you ever met her?

"Yep, met her once. She invited me round to the Dakota building. Had a lovely day and I'll never forget it, great woman."

You must have some amazing stories from your many years on the road, do you ever envisage doing a book or film about them?

"Yep, without a doubt. Very soon. Before I forget them all."

So you've just got back from Lake Como for Andy Bells wedding how was it?

"Amazing!"

You guys all seem very close Andy, Gem, and Chris?

"Yep, we're as close as can be man."

So when you do get time to relax at home in front of the TV what's normally on?

"The usual shit, Eastenders, Coronation Street, I can't wait for the World Cup to take over on every TV in my house. I like that Pineapple Dance Studios as well. That Louis dude, he reminds me of Noel."

I hear your brother Paul is involved in the new movie production company?

"Just about."

What exactly will Paul's role be?

"Making the fooking tea." (Liam breaks into loud laughter)

What are your most vivid memories as a kid growing up?

"Just fucking about in the park playing football, really man..."

What do you think is different now for kids from when you were growing up?

"Everything's different now. They've got it all haven't they? You don't see many out in the park playing, or in the streets, they're just all indoors staring at screens. I'd hate to be a kid growing up today. It's fucking soulless."

Any plans for a holiday this summer ?

"I'm not going on holiday this year. Staying at home and watching the World Cup."

Thanks for your time Liam.

Liam Gallagher planning to write Oasis film or book 'very soon'

Liam Gallagher has said he intends to turn his memories of former band Oasis into a book or film in the near future.

Gallagher, who launched film production company In 1 earlier this year to make a film about The Beatles' Apple Records, was asked whether he planned a similar venture for Oasis in the near future.

"Yep, without a doubt. Very soon," he said in an interview on his clothing company Pretty Green's official website, adding that he wants to compile his memories "before I forget them all".

Speaking about his forthcoming plans for the clothing company, Gallagher added that he's set to open a bespoke store in London offering the garments.

He said: "Definitely man. We're just waiting for the right place to come along, and I'm not gonna rush into it. We're looking to do a temporary store in London this summer, the website will tell you where and when it's happening."

Gorillaz 'Got in There First' to Replace U2 at Glastonbury

Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis has revealed that Gorillaz were the first band to ask to perform instead of U2, after the Irish band were forced to pull out of an appearance at the 2010 festival because of Bono's back problems.

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's cartoon outfit will take the headline slot on the Pyramid stage on the Friday night, June 25.

Eavis added that predictably enough, he was inundated with artists from across the globe hoping to step in to U2's shoes, but it was Gorillaz, with their impressive animated projections in their live show, who "got in there first," according to Eavis.

In an interview with the Radio Times, he said, "It sounds like a really interesting thing, and they have the most amazing guests they're going to bring on, who shall remain nameless.

"It gave me so much encouragement for the future, because it could have been a disaster. When we needed them, they [the music industry] came to the rescue."

Other headliners at this year's Glastonbury are Muse and Stevie Wonder, with Dizzee Rascal, Pet Shop Boys and Flaming Lips also playing.