According to numerous sources (Incuding PWI) the WWE have released the highly regarded backstage producer from Northern Ireland Dave ‘Fit’ Finlay.Known as simply Finlay during his ten years with the WWE, the third generation Belfast native wrestler has been a key factor in the success of the divas division, wrestled many memorable matches on Smackdown and been instrumental in developing new/young talent for the company.
Full details of his release are sketchy, but many believe he has become a fall guy for the company over a house show incident this past weekend (where Miz caused uproar by interupting the US National Anthem) & may return down the line, once things have died down.
Finlay’s career streches back to 1974 and saw him headline events in Ireland, the UK, Japan and Europe, before ‘The Belfast Bruiser’ hit the big time in the US and joined WCW and later the WWE.
The veteran grappler semi-retired from in ring competition last year, but is still known to fans today as the storyline father of Hornswoggle and still commands respect whenever he makes appearances for the WWE.
His loss will be felt my many with the locker room and fans across the globe who appreciated his no nosense style and in-ring attitude. BY PHIL ALLELY
Ladytron have begun to reveal information about their upcoming 5th studio album. Gravity The Seducer, the follow up to 2008′s Velocifero, will be released on September 12th in the UK (September 13th in the US).“The title is a lyric from the track “90 Degrees,” which comes towards the end of the album, and is one of the most definitive moments in terms of the album’s overall feel,” says Ladytron’s Daniel Hunt.
After the March 28th release of Best Of Ladytron: 00-10, the new studio album is another chapter after a decade’s worth of evocative, instinctive yet deliberate electronic pop music.
Ladytron recorded the album in Kent’s countryside, with co-producer Barny Barnicott (Artic Monkeys, Kasabian, Editors) at the helm.
For Gravity The Seducer, the band wanted a grander sound, incorporating more baroque elements. Fans can expect the new tracks to be dreamy, romantic, beautiful, and lush.
“‘Gravity the Seducer’ is more of a jump than the last album was, more ethereal & melodic, a touch more abstract in places than we’ve gone before, baroque ‘n’ roll. It was a pleasure to make, took us right through last summer. It’s our best record in my opinion,” continues Hunt.
Stayed tuned for more information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the band will be touring Europe, and Mira Aroyo will be DJing in several cities. Ladytron play The Forum in London on June 8th, and The Arches in Glasgow on June 9th. www.ladytron.com www.facebook.com/ladytron
Sometimes things just spiral out of control, you make a track solely to use as a club tool, something to liven up your own sets. But then a couple of friends hear it and start asking for it so you give it to them too and the next thing you know it’s become one of the anthems of 2010.Ok it helps if you’re one of the most respected house producers in the UK and your friends just happen to be Norman Cook and Annie Mac, but still despite all the best planning some of the biggest success are the most unexpected.
The track we’re referring too is of course Hervé’s massive ‘Together’ which makes spine tingling use of the chorus to Primal Scream’s original Balearic classic ‘Come Together’, throwing in some of Hervé’s trademark heavyweight bass and beats for full effect.
Since ‘Screamadelica’ was itself exploring the, then, new art of the remix to provide a ‘Sgt Pepper’s for the E Generation’ this remake is just one logical step on and Hervé’s nod to the UK originators of the art like Weatherall and The Orb. Following a very limited release last year has now been completely re-recorded, replayed and remixed by some of the best around including DJ Fresh and C.R.ST.
With a new generation of clubbers looking back to those early Halcyon days of Acid House and Rave, Hervé has skilfully produced a bona fide acid house anthem for 2011. www.myspace.com/hervespace
Tinchy Stryder and Jameela Jamil emerged from the wreckage of a crashed helicopter set at the Xperia™ PLAY Rooms at the Old Sorting Office on New Oxford Street in London to launch Sony Ericsson’s groundbreaking new handset Xperia™ PLAY.Other celebs attending were : ex-Sugababe Keisha Buchanan, stylist Jason Boateng, model Alice Delhal, Branson heiress Holly Branson, comedian Dom Joly and Radio 1′s Tim Westwood.
Kesha Buchanan
Alice Delhal
Holly Branson
The Xperia™ PLAY Rooms popped up for one day only to immerse consumers in a surreal fusion of gaming genres. Visitors were subjected to a world that featured everything from a fluorescent blue forest, burnt out helicopter, American muscle car and a Shanghai street bar.
Commuters arrived bright and early to be among the first in the world to try out their gaming skills on Xperia™ PLAY, with some gaming enthusiasts swapping their suits for Spiderman or Stormtrooper costumes. A select few also got their hands on tickets to Sony Ericsson’s private launch party, with performances by Tinchy Stryder and The Nextmen.
Tinchy Stryder commented, “I’m a big gamer so it’s great to be involved with the launch of Xperia™ PLAY. I spend a lot of my time on the road, so to have a mobile with a PlayStation gaming pad is cool.”
Jameela added, “I got to launch an awesome gaming phone and hang out with Tinchy, although he needs to learn to be a little bit less competitive when it comes to playing games.”
The Xperia™ PLAY went on sale globally from Today 1st April 2010. For more information about Xperia™ PLAY, visit www.sonyericsson.com/uk
The lovely Katherine Jenkins will be performing with The Ulster Orchestra in Belfast on Sunday 29 May at the Odyssey Arena. She will perform live in concert at The O2, Dublin on 28th May as well.
Katherine Jenkins in Concert
The O2, Dublin, 28th May 2011
Tickets priced from €49.80 including booking fee
The O2, Dublin: Tel (01) 8198888
Book On-Line: www.theo2.ie
The Odyssey, Belfast, 29th May 2011
Tickets priced from £55.00 including booking fee
24hr hotline (NI) 0844 277 4455
Odyssey Arena Box Office 028 9073 9074 www.odysseyarena.com
In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):
ROI – 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie
Elbow, Primal Scream (Screamadelica) and The Specials will headline Belsonic 2011 in association with ABSOLUT. Also confirmed: Plan B with Katy B, Dizzee Rascal with Wretch 32.Building on the overwhelming success of the 2010 run of shows, BELSONIC in association with ABSOLUT returns to Belfast’s Custom House Square this August.
One of the largest and best Northern Irish outdoor music events in history, many of the 2010 events sold out some weeks in advance, with in excess of 40,000 people in attendance.
This year, Belsonic in association with ABSOLUT promises to up the ante yet again, providing an array of world class acts.
Elbow, Primal Scream (performing their critically acclaimed Screamadelica LP in its entirety) and The Specials will be headlining artists at this years events, joining British superstars Dizzee Rascal & Plan B.
Werewolves are finally getting the love they deserve! Vampires have ruled the airwaves for a while now (think “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries”), but 2011 is shaping up to be the year of the wolf.And Tyler Posey, star of MTV’s upcoming “Teen Wolf” (loosely based on a 1985 Michael J. Fox movie of the same name) is the hottest new addition to TV’s growing wolf pack.
Topping the list of Things That Are More Difficult When You’re a Paranormal Wolfman? Dating (sure, lots of guys turn into animals when they get excited, but you know, not literally).It’s also tough when your girlfriend’s dad moonlights as a werewolf hunter and is kind of out to put you down—permanently.
On the bright side, there are those heightened wolf senses (read: super sight, smell and hearing). If the trailer is any indication, the stakes are going to be high from the first howl on “Teen Wolf.”
If sexy werewolves are your thing (and really, aren’t they everyone’s?), catch the premiere Sunday, June 5 right after the 2011 MTV Movie Awards. www.mtv.com
Forensics: Producer of moody, haunting dubstep. Runs Methodology Recordings. Releases on a range of other labels, including Eight:FX & DubKraft.Tracks played by Aquasky, Plastician, MRK1, Horsepower, Macabre Unit, Joe Nice, Bobby Friction, Pathaan, Jus Wan, Kion, Crises. Tracks by Forensics
Co-founder of the Ruffnek Diskotek club night.
Collaborated with Kulture, Phaeleh, Indi Kaur, Juakali, DZ, Atki2, Threnody, Demon, Kuoyah, Substep Infrabass, Alien Pimp, Wrexile, China~, Two Oh One, Grooki, This One, Tommy Lexxus, Not In My Name, Paul Domino, MrJo, Rhythmical Thinker, Patchwerk Man. Involved in a number of other projects, including A Bridge Far Away & The Divided Circle. DJ’d alongside Loefah, Benga, Kode9, Plastician & Skepta, Hatcha, Distance, MRK1 & Virus Syndicate, Joker, N Type, Geeneus, RSD, Gemmy, Elemental, Pinch, Scuba, Ital Tek, Peverelist, V.I.V.E.K, Drop the Lime & Mathhead, Bass Clef, Headhunter, Appleblim, Rossi B, Cluekid, Synkro, Oneman, Jakes, Mungo’s Hi Fi, Moving Ninja, Sukh Knight, Geiom, Milanese…. www.myspace.com/forensicdubstep
What Would Jesus Drive are husband and wife Tim Box (vocals and guitar) and Amy Casey (vocals and guitar), joined by Gemma Horgan (decks and air synth) and John Newman (keyboards, samples). It was only a matter of time before decided to tear the scene apart with a feature length release, and here they are with their debut album Black and Blue.
Black and Blue opens with a shriek of sirens, which sets the tone for what’s to come.
The album is a spectacular punch in the face, each track driven by raw guitars layered by synthesizers; sneering vocals and a cacophony of drums that make you want to trash your living room just to join in.
It’s a powerful return to the roots of post-punk, with enough musical innovation to create a sound that’s very much lodged in the present. Like all the best punk records, What Would Jesus Drive complement their powerful backline with politically charged lyrics, creating landscapes of urban ennui, the tribulations of poverty and the gradual deterioration of modern society.
It’s an outstanding debut album from a band that has already proved their potential with their previous releases.
Black and Blue is released via EyeSeeSound, and is available now digitally now and on CD from 30th May. www.whatwouldjesusdrive.co
There are less than 100 days left until Oxegen opens its doors for the music event of the year. So, to help you find out a little bit more about what’s in store, the nice people from Oxegen compiled a special Festival A-Z.
But, if you think you can do better, send your own Oxegen A-Zs to contact@oxegen.ie before Friday 8th April. (putting Oxegen A-Z in subject line). There’s a great prize up for grabs for the best entry- a pair of 4 day weekend camping tickets!Tickets for Oxegen 2011 are on sale now and you can secure yours with a €100 deposit. For full details and to check out the full line-up to date, see oxegen.ie.
A-Z of Oxegen 2011
A is for Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys release their eagerly anticipated 4th album ‘Suck It And See’ in June. Irish fans will get their first chance to hear the new material live when the band hit Punchestown.
B is for Brandon Flowers
Brandon is no stranger to Punchestown, having started out in The New Bands tent with The Killers in 2004 before they went on to headline the festival twice. Now he returns as a solo artist for the first time.
C is for Calvin Harris
The man responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of the last few years including Acceptable in The 80’s, The Girls and Ready For The Weekend.
D is for Deposit scheme
The genius recession busting deposit scheme is back for 2011. It’s Oxegen’s way of making sure that no-one misses out on the very best line-up to hit Ireland. Simply pay a deposit up front, make another payment in April and the balance in June, full details can be found at oxegen.ie. E is for Eels
Eels are one of the USA’s most critically acclaimed bands. But did you know, lead singer E’s father Hugh Everett III is the originator of the many worlds theory in quantum physics?
F is for ‘For The First Time’
‘For The First Time’ gave The Script their first Irish No.1 single when it knocked Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ off the top spot. The Dublin trio’s headline show at The Aviva Stadium is sold out but you can catch them at Oxegen.
G is for Grohl, Dave
Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave Grohl helped us launch Oxegen in style this year when he fronted our exclusive line-up video. H is for Hat-trick
Paolo Nutini will complete a hat-trick of Oxegen appearances this summer after stunning performances in both 2009 and 2010. Paolo’s currently working on the follow up to his Ivor Novello winning album ‘Sunny Side Up’.
I is for Ingrosso, Sebastian Carmine
Ingrosso is one third of dance music sensations Swedish House Mafia along with Axwell and Steve Angello. They’ve had two massive Irish top ten hits in the last year with ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ and ‘One’.
J is for Jump Around
A genuine festival anthem, House of Pain’s classic track should provoke one of the loudest sing- (and jump) a-longs of the weekend.
K is for Co Kildare
Punchestown Racecourse in Co.Kildare has played host to Oxegen since its debut year in 2004. The festival wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic support of the local community.
L is for Liam Gallagher
An icon for a generation, Liam Gallagher is one of the greatest frontmen of all time. Now, he’s coming to Oxegen with his new band Beady Eye to perform tracks from their album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’.
M is for My Chemical Romance
Fresh from picking up two NME Awards for Best International Band and Best Video for ‘Na Na Na’, My Chemical Romance are currently on a massive UK and American tour with album ‘Danger Days’.
N is for The National
Ireland is fast becoming a second home for The National. Their sold out run of shows at The Olympia in November were among the most critically acclaimed gigs of last year and now the band return to Oxegen after picking up a Q Magazine Award for Best Album for High Violet.
O is for Oberst, Conor
The People’s Key , the new album from Bright Eyes, was released on lead singer Conor Oberst’s birthday – 15th February. Drowned in Sound called it “a collection of fleet, shimmering pop songs; a master-class in sonic splendour; a bold, beautiful and brilliant reinvention that should surprise as many as it will enthral”.
P is for Plan B
What a year it’s been for Plan B! Not only has his second album The Defamation of Strickland Banks gone multi-platinum but he also picked up a Brit Award for Best Male Solo Artist. To see who else is joining Plan B at Oxegen check out www.oxegen.ie/line-up.
Q is for Questions
If you’ve any questions about Oxegen, camping, travel or anything else, check out the FAQ section on oxegen.ie.
R is for Rope
The excellent lead single from Oxegen headliner Foo Fighters’ seventh studio album Wasting Light.
S is for Screamadelica
It’s 20 years since Screamadelica was first released. The seminal album from Primal Scream brought acid house and techno crashing into the mainstream and you’ll be able to hear it performed in its entirety at Oxegen this summer.
T is for Two Door Cinema Club
On St Patrick’s Day, the Bangor band celebrated in style by winning Best Emerging Artist at The MTV Woodie Awards in Austin Texas. If you didn’t catch their fab main stage performance at Oxegen 2010, make sure you don’t miss them this time!
U is for Under Cover Of Darkness
Under Cover Of Darkness is the first single from The Strokes in over five years and it’s an awesome tune! The Guardian said: “This will sound amazing in a sun-dappled field come festival season”. We think you’ll agree!
V is for The Vaccines
With a top 5 U.K album record and two NME covers under their belts, The Vaccines are poised to be this year’s biggest breakthrough success. The band are embarking on a US tour with Arctic Monkeys before hitting Oxegen.
W is for will.i.am
The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am is one of the biggest stars on the planet. But did you know he’s also enjoyed success both as a fashion designer and an actor. His signature clothing line is i.am while he played John Wraith in his major film debut ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’.
X is for X&Y
Coldplay’s third album spawned the massive hits ‘Fix You’, ‘Speed Of Sound’ and ‘Talk’ and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide; making it one of the most successful albums of the 21st century.
Y is for Young Blood
Is the brilliant debut single from The Naked and Famous. It went straight to No.1 in the band’s home country New Zealand. The Naked and Famous are one of the most hotly tipped new artists of 2011.
Z is for Zimmerman, Joel Thomas. But you might know him better as Deadmau5… the man behind the mouse head. A technical whizzkid, the Grammy Award nominee has a reputation for being the most forward thinking person in electronic music right now.
Known as simply Finlay during his ten years with the WWE, the third generation Belfast native wrestler has been a key factor in the success of the divas division, wrestled many memorable matches on Smackdown and been instrumental in developing new/young talent for the company.
