The Beatles poster sold for £5,400 at auction

Ever wondered what your treasured signed Beatles LP is worth?  What about that original Rolling Stones tour poster you ripped off the wall in the 1970’s or that broken guitar Brian May gave to you?

Well, now’s your chance to find out at the very first pop & rock music Antiques Rockshow.

Brought to you by two giants of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, Hard Rock Cafe London and Bonhams auction house, the Antiques Rockshow will take place at the London cafe on Wednesday May 18th and will kick start the 40 Days That Rock – a celebration of 40 years of Hard Rock Cafe.

Two Bonhams specialists in the world of memorabilia, Stephanie Connell and Stephen Maycock, will be present at Hard Rock Cafe (150 Old Park Lane, W1) between 11am and 4pm and will give a valuation to any genuine piece of music history (Maximum 3 items per person).  If you like the price and are wishing to sell, then you will be able to add your item to the Entertainment Memorabilia Auction taking place at the Bonhams auction house in Knightsbridge on June 29th.

Bonhams have previously sold some of the most important rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia to appear on the market, including the Eric Clapton guitar and amp collection in March 2011 for $2.1 million.  Other past items include the original artwork for the Clash album London Calling (£72,000), Obi-Wan Kenobi’s cape from Star Wars (£60,000), an autographed copy of the Beatles Sergeant Pepper album (£16,500) and a Beatles autographed Liverpool Airport sign (£19,800). Stephanie Connell, Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Bonhams is very excited about the Rockshow,

“With all of our amazing music memorabilia, Hard Rock is the ideal place to host the Antiques Rockshow,” added Calum MacPherson, Area Vice President of Operations for Hard Rock International.  “We’re sure that we’re going to see some very unique items at the event.  And who knows?  Maybe a few of them will be incredible enough to become part of our collection!”

The story of the birth of Hard Rock International’s memorabilia collection is itself a part of music history.  The collection was started when Eric Clapton, a regular customer at the original Hard Rock Cafe London, asked the staff if he could hang his guitar on the wall to mark his favorite bar stool as “his spot.”  They did, and one week later, a package from The Who’s Pete Townshend arrived with a guitar and a note bearing the message, “Mine’s as good as his!  Love, Pete.”  Today, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest collection of music memorabilia with more than 73,000 treasures!

Lot 307.  15th December 2010.
A poster for the Beatles’ concerts at the Johanneshovs Isstadion, Stockholm,
Sold for £5,400

Snoop Dogg headlining the 'I Want my MTV' in Ibiza

Following the recent announcement that MTV are hosting a series of exclusive live Ibiza music events throughout the summer, today it has been confirmed that hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg will be headlining the ‘I Want my MTV’ opening party on Friday 1st July at Amnesia, Ibiza, with Primal Scream closing the Summer parties on Fri 2nd September.

Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg’s ongoing appeal to his legions of fans means he continues to occupy the throne as the world’s most famous rapper.  His timeless and groundbreaking debut album Doggystyle, was an instant classic, selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release and quickly becoming quadruple platinum, spawning several classic hit singles, including What’s My Name and Gin & Juice.  Snoop’s recent studio album, Doggumentary boasts the sort of unpredictable collaborations that have made him a pop culture phenomenon, featuring the likes of Gorillaz, Kanye West and of course the recent remix version of Sweat by David Guetta.

Primal Scream
Primal Scream will be performing their legendary album Screamadelica, originally produced in 1991 by DJ Andrew Weatherall. Their set, which will close the festivities on 2nd September @ Amnesia will be full of club classics from the Screamdelica album, such as; Loaded and Come Together. Despite this being the first time the band have performed live in Ibiza,

‘Come Together’ is probably one of the Islands most played tracks of the last 20 years, a classic in every DJ’s record box and enjoyed by thousands in the clubs at sunrise and on the beaches at sunset. Primal Scream presents Screamadelica will be making their Spanish debut this Summer at Benicassim Festival 14th – 17th July.

Robyn
Also joining the Summer line up is world renowned Swedish singer/ songwriter Robyn, adding to the truly International flavor of the events. Robyn has achieved global success, with nominations this year for her latest album ‘Body Talk’, which features a duet with Snoop Dogg. Nominations include ‘Best International Album’ at The Brits, and ‘Best Commercial Dance Track’ at The International Dance Music Awards, for ‘Dancing On My Own’ which she performed live last year with Deadmau5 at the MTV Music Video Awards.

‘I Want My MTV Ibiza’ will be announcing a further 3 major acts, later this month to add to the current Summer line up, which also includes; exclusive live headline sets from Duran Duran, 2ManyDJ’s, Richie Hawtin and Mark Ronson all performing their first ever Ibiza live shows.

Mark Ronson, Marco Carola, Felix Da Housecat, Tiga, Erol Alkan, Magda, M.A.N.D.Y., Riva Starr, James Holden, Audiofly and Alfredo, will also be joining residents Layo & Bushwacka!

Tickets priced at 50 euros for each event are on sale now on www.MTVibiza.com or via www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The headline sets will be aired in the form of 2 x 1 hour specials called‘I Want My MTV Ibiza’ on Saturday 6th August at 9pm and Saturday 9th September at 9pm on music channels MTV Music & MTV Dance.

‘I Want My MTV Ibiza’ 2011
Fri July 1st – Fri 2nd September @ Amnesia, Ibiza

Opening Night:
Week One (Friday July 1)
MTV Live Room
Snoop Dogg (Live – Ibiza Exclusive)
Felix Da Housecat

Shake It! Ibiza Presents
Magda
Layo & Bushwacka!
Mar-T

Tickets priced at 50 euros for each event are on sale now on www.MTVibiza.com.

Four hundred fans were originally picked from the 2,000 hopefuls who applied on Facebook to what was billed as a ‘live video performance, but what began as an intimate performance for 400 fans was transformed in a matter of seconds into the most exclusive concert that Tinie Tempah has ever played.

It was the surprise of a lifetime for 21 year old fan Katie Hobbs from Southampton when 399 fans cleared the floor in a ‘flash exit’, leaving her to enjoy a completely dedicated, one-on-one performance of Wonderman, Tinie’s latest single.

Katie Hobbs said: “This has been the most amazing day of my life. Getting an exclusive gig from Tinie was simply incredible. I had absolutely no idea what was happening and before I knew it I was getting a solo performance from my favourite act. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Commenting on his most unusual gig to date, Brit award winner Tinie Tempah said: “I owe my success to my fans, and being able to interact with them when I play live is the greatest feeling. I’ve played all sorts of gigs in all sorts of venues but never one like this before. It’s definitely my tiniest gig ever, but it’s also one of my best.”

The Tinie tie-up was created as part of O2’s Thinking of You campaign, aimed at showing how O2 values its customers. The campaign also follows a long history of O2’s support for live music in the UK with its high profile sponsorship of The O2 and O2 Academy venues.

This is how the event unfolded:

Truckstop Honeymoon - Folk Music

The Hop Farm has  announced an impressive lineup of acts that will entertain the crowds all day during the three day Kent County Fair starting on 30 April 2011.

On Saturday from 11am enjoy traditional British folk music on fiddle and accordion from ‘Skinners Rats’ who are no strangers to TV appearances, along with music from the ‘Sally Ironmongster band’.  Listen out for some great lyrics about Kent from vocalist Sally who will be accompanied by guitarists Shaun Murray and Brian Carter.

On Sunday from 11am see the ‘Ian Petrie Duo’ deliver rumbustious versions of popular folk music with great vocals, complimented by Ian on the guitar and Ted Handley on the accordion.    ‘The Moveable Feast’, one of the county’s most exciting bands, will also be performing with dynamic vocals from Mitch Feral backed by some superb musicianship.

On Monday from 11am see ‘Los Salvadores’, a fresh band on the music scene, featuring strong vocals and original material in the folk idiom. Performances will include some impressive music by the bands French horn player and fiddler.

‘Truckstop Honeymoon’ will also be stopping off at The Kent County Fair during their European tour, and will end the weekend on Bank Holiday Monday with a grand finale of biting songs about rednecks, squirrel stew and love!  Fantastic vocals from Mike West, accompanied by banjo and guitar and Miss Kate Eulis on stand up bass and vocals.

For 2011, the three day Kent County Fair will embody a new country vibe; celebrating uniquely Kentish activities but with a few added twists as The Hop Farm introduces new entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Thrilling displays by Moto Stunts International will have the crowds in awe as they perform stunt performances, including; motorcycle and quad trick riding, high speed cross over routines, jumps, car crashes and rollovers plus dare devil routines involving fire and stunt men!

In support of preserving the beautiful Kent countryside the Fair will also feature a Green Zone, where visitors can discover how to reduce their carbon footprint and browse some of the sustainable products and services on offer.

Tickets to this year’s fair will also include entrance into The Hop Farm Family Park attraction, where families can enjoy great activities from the driving school to the jumping pillows and magic factory.

New attractions at The Hop Farm Family Park for 2011 are swashbuckling adventures in Pirate Cove and interactive football pitch, shooting alley and climbing wall in the Alps Active area.

Kent County Fair Tickets
For this year’s Fair The Hop Farm have devised unique packages including camping and early booking, online discounts.

Adults and Children: £10.80 (online/advance) or £12.80 (Gate price)
Family: (2+2) £40 (family tickets only available via advance booking)
Visitors can take advantage of the online booking discount and enjoy fast track entry.

For ticket enquiries please contact 01622 872068

Camping
Alternatively, visitors looking for a truly Kentish experience can purchase the three day camping ticket, which includes entry to the Hop Farm and Fair over the weekend.

Adult/Senior: £37.50 (online/advance) or £42.50 (gate price)
Child (3 – 15): £17.50 (online/advance) or £20.00 (gate price)
Family (2 + 2): £99.00 (advance booking online only)
Electric Hook up – £12.30

Camping Packages include 3 nights camping (Friday 29th April, Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May) and 3 show days (Saturday 30th April, Sunday 1st May and Monday 2nd May). Campers can arrive from midday on Friday 29th April and must report to the touring office on arrival.

For camping enquiries please contact: 01622 870838

The Kent County Fair will take place at the Hop Farm between 30 April and 2 May 2011, 10am until 6pm.

If you fancy taking part in this amazing experience, the details are below:

Extras wanted: Do you want to star in a special live video performance with
Tinie Tempah?

Groups of up to 4 mates that love Tinie are needed to come down to a shoot in London on
Wednesday 30th March

You must be 16 or over and available all day. This is an amazing opportunity to be part of something big alongside
Tinie himself.

The shoot is unpaid and it will be a long day (12-11pm) but there will be a few surprises along the way.

You have 48 hours to apply so hurry! Places are limited and on a first come first served basis.

Visit the Tinie Tempah website to apply.

Elton John to headline Magic Summer Live

London’s Magic 105.4 radio station has announced the launch of a new annual music event, Magic Summer Live. Headlining the daylong event is one of the world’s biggest live acts, Sir Elton John playing his only London date this summer. Joining Elton John on the bill will be BRIT Award nominee Rumer and emerging American duo The Pierces, with more names to be added in the coming weeks.

Held in the stunning historical grounds of Hatfield House on Sunday 17th July 2011, the day will host an exciting array of top music stars and is set to sell out fast. So don’t miss out on Magic Summer Live, tickets are available from www.magic.co.uk priced from £60.

Elton John’s musical career has spanned over 4 decades and seen him sell over 250 million albums worldwide. He is one the most influential artists of all time with a string of UK hit singles including: Your Song, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, I’m Still Standing and Daniel.

He is a multiple Grammy and Brit Award winner and will be bringing his extensive catalogue including songs from highly acclaimed new release “The Union” to Magic Summer Live.

Elton John says,

“I’m really excited to be headlining the first ever Magic Summer Live event in July.  I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer’s day than performing some of my greatest hits on a stage in the absolutely stunning setting of Hatfield House.”

Joining the bill is sensational pop-soul singer Rumer, who’s self-penned album Seasons of My Soul is a set of songs that anyone with ears can’t help but fall in love with. American duo The Pierces are Catherine and Allison – sisters, songwriters, and singers, who will bring their sweepingly melodic harmonies to Magic Summer Live  – delivering an unforgettable day and night of live music. Watch this space for more artist announcements in the coming weeks…

Magic 105.4’s Neil Fox made the surprise announcement live on his Magic Breakfast Show. Foxy told listeners:

“Magic 105.4 is really excited about our brand new event, Magic Summer Live. We have an incredible headline act already on board and Hatfield House is the most picturesque setting. It’s going to be an amazing day with some amazing Magic artists. From “Your Song” to “Rocket Man” we’ve played all of Elton’s hits on Magic 105.4, he is one of the most exciting and extraordinary musicians of our time. With the total artist line up we have in mind, and only 20,000 tickets, of which a limited amount are VIP, make sure you get yours, so you don’t miss out!”

Magic Summer Live takes place in the beautiful park of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on Sunday 17th July 2011. Hatfield House is just 25 minutes by train from London Kings Cross, directly outside Hatfield mainline station and only 5 minutes off the A1.

For more information visit magic.co.uk or facebook.com/magic1054.

Single launch

Redtrack are a band brimming with confidence following their breakthrough in 2010, their debut album Whole Town’s Heart was received with critical acclaim and found the band being mentioned in the same sentence as the royalty of BritPop, Weller, Difford and Costello.

Buzzcocks Pete Shelley liked what he heard from Redtrack so much that he co-produced the single Pole Dancer for the band, the track appears on the debut album.

There were plenty of highlights during 2010 for the band from Southend on Sea who reckon they sound like a cross between Girls Aloud and The Clash, a year that saw them appear on Hollyoaks as well as having their video on the Topman playlist in high street shops and malls.

Redtrack stole the show at Reading/Leeds festival on the Radio 1 Introducing stage and the year culminated in singer Billy Wright appearing in parts of Radio 1 Introducing Masterclass.

Set to kick of 2011 where they left off last year, Redtrack will be appearing at The Scala in London on March 12th to launch the double A sided single Catch Me Out/ The Trier.

The event will start at 7pm and run through the night until 4am, with special DJ sets from Kasabian and Bloc Party as well as live support from Elephants Head and Dead Social Club.

Redtrack – The Trier

Single Launch party:

Sat March 12th (7pm – 4am)

Redtrack

The Scala, Pentonville Road, London, N1 9NL

Feat DJ sets from Kasabian + Bloc Party

Support from Dead Social Club / Elephants Head

Tickets £12.50 advance or £15 on the door (18+)

Tel 0207 833 2022

Ed Parrish Charity Single

During the last couple of months Teesside firefighter and songwriter Ed Parrish has been recording a single with London based producer Steve Honest and the result is the radio friendly single The Journey.

It is all part of a fund raising project that will culminate when  an X Factor style final takes place at Arc, Stockton on March 26^th, with the winning artist getting the chance to put their own vocal stamp on Ed’s single The Journey before re-releasing the track to raise further funds for Zoe’s Place.

Lisa McCormick’s BBC Tees Afternoon Show are supporting the event with interviews with the cast and crew involved in the event as well as attending the audition process to record interviews and support the event right through to the winner being crowned at The Arc. The Evening Gazette have also featured a page on the event.

The final will be hosted by ITV’s Pam Royle and will feature a panel of judges including BBC’s Lisa McCormick, ex EMI marketing director Mike Andrews, Monumental Music owner Kenny Sanger and Spark FM’s Rachael Devine. The event gives artists a chance to sing their own take of Ed’s track. The winning entrant will receive a two single recording deal, recording, production and PR to release two singles in 2011 with all proceeds going to Zoe’s Place. The final will also feature a live performance from Stagecoach.

Tickets for the final will be priced at £5 and available via The Arc box office.Ticket sales, raffle sales and single sales will all be donated to Zoe’s Place.

The original Ed Parrish version of The Journey is currently available from iTunes with all proceeds going to the Middlesbrough based charity.

Zoë’s Place: Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice was founded by Chairman of Trustees, Professor J.J. Scarisbrick. He identified that a large number of families, with children suffering from life limiting or life threatening conditions were in desperate need of specialist facilities where their children could receive respite, palliative or terminal care.

Even more important it was recognised that families most needed this facility during the early years of their child’s life. Consequently the idea of a Baby Hospice was born and fittingly the name Zoë’s Place was chosen since ‘Zoë’  means “Gift of Life”.  The first Baby Hospice was opened at Liverpool in 1995 and in 2004 Zoë’s Place in  Middlesbrough, was able to open the doors and welcome their first special babies.

Bruno Mars - photo Harper Smith

Bruno Mars is set to kick off 2011 in the same manner as he finished last year, his second single Grenade is currently on top of the iTunes chart and a UK singles number one looks sure to follow as the single which was released on Sunday is already firmly at the the top of the UK mid week chart.

His debut single Just The Way You Are released last year stormed to the top of the singles chart and has gone on to sell 765,000 copies. The singer/songwriter sensation tasted his first top of the chart success early in 2010 providing the soulful vocals on B.o.B’s number one hit Nothin’ On You.

He went on to reach number two featuring on Travie McCoy’s hit Billionaire and went on to support McCoy across his European and the UK live dates.

Due to phenomenal demand the much anticipated Bruno Mars debut album release has been brought forward by a week and Doo – Wops and Hooligans will now be available on January 17th.

Mars will be returning to the UK on January 24th for an intimate and surely unforgettable one off album launch show at London’s Cafe de Paris, he will return in March for his first UK headline tour.

The Doo-Wops and Hooligans Tour 2011 will see Mars appearing in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham, full dates below;

Full UK Tour dates:

Jan 2011
Mon 24
London, UK
Café De Paris

March 2011
Thurs 10
Manchester, UK
Club Academy

Fri 11
Glasgow, UK
Oran Mor

Tues 15
Birmingham, UK
Institute The Library

All dates go on pre-sale on brunomars.warnerartists.com on Wednesday 12 January

All dates go on general sale on Friday 14 January.

jo hamilton

It is clear that the appeal of Jo Hamilton’s music may not be immediate to all ears and despite the rave reviews from the press for her debut album Gown released in 2009 there are many amongst us who have yet to hear or purchase it.

Since the release of the debut album the appeal of Jo’s voice and songs have  grown steadily as she reaches new listeners by sheer hard work and word of mouth.

If you don’t already own a copy of Gown don’t be too ashamed as Jo is about to release a special edition version, as a digital download via iTunes on  December 20th and as a physical album on January 17th.

The Special Edition Gown includes three new tracks, Alive Alive, Release Us (Live) and Think Of Me (Radio Mix) and comes with a PDF booklet containing photos taken by the artist on her travels during the past year.

Fans who pre-order the record now (on CD or as a download) are eligible for a free ticket to an exclusive
fan-only internet concert taking place on Sunday the 19th of December. Fans can only access this concert if
they own a copy of Gown or the special edition, and are a member of either the Jo Hamilton mailing list or
a fan of her Facebook page.

Because so many new people have discovered Jo recently, and many are spread throughout the world, it has been decided to put on another live internet concert which will take place on December 19th.

This will be the second broadcast of a live performance by Jo directly over the internet using high-quality video and audio streaming.  The performance will take place in the studio where much of Gown was recorded and will be beamed directly into the comfort of your own home.  You will have a chance to talk directly to Jo during the performance, via a live chat-room.