U2 and Jay-Z record song for Haiti

U2, Jay-Z and producer Swizz Beatz have recorded a song together to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

U2′s guitarist The Edge told Irish radio station 2FM the band “wrote a song, finished and recorded” last week after being contacted about the idea.

The Edge, Bono and Jay-Z, along with Rihanna, are due to appear in London for “a group performance” as part of Friday’s Hope For Haiti telethon.

George Clooney’s two-hour benefit show will be aired on MTV in the UK.

The Edge told 2FM DJ Dave Fanning over the weekend: “Bono got a call from a producer, Swizz. He and Jay-Z wanted to do something for Haiti.

“So Bono came up with the phrase on the phone and last night we were here, we wrote a song, finished, recorded, and sent it back to them.

“So, that might be the next thing you hear from us.”

‘Something amazing’

Swizz Beatz also confirmed the project on his Twitter page, saying: “Me, Bono, Hova [Jay-Z's nickname] have something to say about Haiti. Stay tuned.

“I told you I was working on something amazing for Haiti. They need us!”

It is not clear when the single will be released, or whether the artists plan to premiere the song during Friday’s telethon

Jay-Z has played with the Irish rock group before, popping up for a handful of dates on last year’s 360 tour, and adding a rap to their hit single Sunday Bloody Sunday during the 2009 MTV Europe Awards.

Meanwhile, more acts have been added to the bill for the Haiti telethon including Coldplay, who will play at “a London location” alongside Jay-Z.

Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and Keith Urban will appear in Los Angeles while Haitian-born Fugees star Wyclef Jean, Sting, Mary J Blige, Shakira and Bruce Springsteen will be among performers in New York.

Funds raised will go to Oxfam America, Red Cross, Unicef, Partners in Health and the Yele Haiti Foundation.

The telethon will be screened live in the UK from 0100 GMT on Saturday 23 January.

In the US, the telethon is being screened live without commercials on a number of channels including NBC, ABC and CBS.

See all our Music Canvas Art Prints.

High School Musical

High School Musical is a 2006 American television film, and the first in the High School Musical film franchise. Upon its release on January 20, 2006, it became the most successful movie that Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) ever produced, with a television sequel High School Musical 2 released in 2007 and the feature film High School Musical 3: Senior Year released to theaters in October 2008. It is the first Disney Channel Original Movie to have a theatrical sequel. A fourth installment, High School Musical 4: East Meets West, has been announced to be in the writing stages and to premiere in Disney Channel in 2010. The film’s soundtrack was the best-selling album in the United States for 2006.

High School Musical was Disney Channel’s most watched movie that year with 7.7 million viewers in its premiere broadcast in the US. In the UK, it received 789,000 viewers for its premiere (and 1.2 million viewers overall during the first week), making it the second most watched program for the Disney Channel (UK) of 2006. On December 29, 2006, it became the first Disney Channel Original Movie to be broadcast on the BBC. Globally, High School Musical has been seen by over 225 million viewers.

With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a modern adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, High School Musical is a story about two high school juniors from rival cliques – Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), a beautiful and shy transfer student who excels in math and science. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical, and as a result, divide the school. Despite other students’ attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way not to “stick to the status quo”.

High School Musical was filmed at East High School located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the auditorium of Murray High School, andDowntown Salt Lake City. Murray High School was also the set of several other Disney productions: Take Down (1978), Read It and Weep (2006), Minutemen (2008) and High School Musical: Get in the Picture (2008).

Love Films? You will love our Film Canvas Art paintings.

Music file-sharer ‘Oink’ cleared of fraud

A man who ran a music-sharing website with almost 200,000 members has been found not guilty of conspiracy to defraud at Teesside Crown Court.

Alan Ellis, 26, was the first person in the UK to be prosecuted for illegal file-sharing.

He operated the site, called Oink, from his flat in Middlesbrough from 2004 until it was closed down in a police raid in October 2007.

In that time Oink facilitated the download of 21 million music files.

Bank accounts

The site allowed active members to find other people on the web who were prepared to share files – enabling users to get hold of free music.

Users were asked to make a donation, although it was not necessary for them to do so to invite friends to join the site.

The jury was told that police found almost US $300,000 in Mr Ellis’s Paypal account and that he received $18,000 (£11,000) a month in donations from people using his website.

Mr Ellis told the court there was no intention to defraud copyright holders.

He said the donations were to pay for the server’s rental and any “surplus” would eventually be used to buy a server.

He agreed he had about 10 bank accounts with some £20,000 in savings when police raided the house he shared.

Moved to Amsterdam

Giving evidence, Mr Ellis explained why he set up the website.

“It was to further my skills. To better my skills for employability.”

Mr Ellis said the website was developed from a free template, which had a torrent file-sharing facility included in it.

Oink did not host any music itself, it indexed the files users had available on their computers for others to download.

Originally the site was hosted on his home computer, but by 2007 it had moved to a commercial server in Amsterdam because of the amount of internet traffic it was attracting.

Mr Ellis, who had a full-time job as a software engineer, was born in Leeds and grew up in south Manchester, studying A-levels in Cheadle.

He declined to speak as he left the court.

Have a look at all our Music Canvas Art!

BBC admits promotion of U2 album was ‘inappropriate’

The BBC have admitted coverage of the launch of U2 album No Line On The Horizon last February, went too far – giving “undue prominence” to the band.

Critics said the BBC had given U2 “the sort of publicity money can’t buy”.

The corporation acknowledged that radio coverage of the event, which included a rooftop concert at Broadcasting House, breached BBC editorial guidelines.

Complaints over the free publicity given to the band on BBC TV, radio and online included those of Conservative MP Nigel Evans, who said it was “the sort of publicity money can’t buy”.

“Why should licence fee-payers shoulder the cost of U2′s publicity?”.

The Editorial Complaints Unit (ECU) admitted that a reference to the BBC being “part of launching this new album”, in an interview between Radio 1 presenter Zane Lowe and U2 singer Bono, was inappropriate.

The ECU also upheld a complaint that it was inappropriate for the Radio 1 website to contain links to the websites of ticket agents for the band’s concerts.

‘Potentially sensitive’

“The Radio 1 leadership team have reminded executive producers and presenters about the issues to be considered in relation to judgments about undue prominence, and the distinction between the reporting of new artistic work and commercial promotion,” it said, earlier this week.

“The management of BBC Marketing, Communication and Audiences (the Division responsible for the U2 = BBC graphic) has reminded all staff of the need to consult the editorial policy team in a timely manner for advice when potentially sensitive issues such as commercial interests are involved.”

However, complaints about an edition of Jo Whiley’s Radio 1 show, and a BBC News online report of the U2 concert on the roof of Broadcasting House, were not upheld.

A crowd of around 5,000 watched the rooftop show, which capped off a day of promotion for the Irish band’s 12th studio album, with U2 appearing as special guests on Radio 1.

The band performed four tracks during the 20-minute gig, which was broadcast live on DJ Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 show.

It said the use of the slogan U2=BBC “gave an inappropriate impression of endorsement”.

RadioCentre, the trade body for commercial radio companies, made a formal complaint over the coverage.

See all our amazing U2 Canvas Art Prints!

Simon Cowell to leave American Idol

American Idol judge Simon Cowell has confirmed he will leave the programme at the end of this season as he takes British show The X Factor to Fox TV.

Cowell, whose contract ends following the show’s ninth run, said he was offered a lot of money to stay.

“But that wasn’t the reason behind it. I wanted to do something different. I wanted a new challenge,” he said.

It has been reported that Cowell stands to make more money with the X Factor than if he stays on American Idol.

Speculation

The music industry mogul owns the rights to the X Factor format – and will serve as an executive producer on the US version of the show – meaning he stands to make more than his current reported pay packet of $36m (£22.3m).

Cowell said there were many people who wanted his Idol job, but said the judges should not be the stars of the show.

“Fundamentally, the most important reason we do this is to find talent,” he said.

Speculation has already begun about who will join Cowell on the X Factor, with former judge Paula Abdul, who left American Idol last year, among the leading contenders.

“I adore Paula. Whatever happens, I will be working with her in some capacity, because I miss her,” Cowell said.

However, he did rule out former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham – who briefly joined the judging panel on American Idol last year.

‘Delighted’

The star said he wanted to leave the show “on a high” and added he was “very proud of what the show has achieved”.

In a statement released by Fox, Cowell said: “I’m thrilled that we have put a date on the launch of the US version of The X Factor, and delighted to be continuing to work with Fox.

“We have a fantastic relationship, a great team and are all very excited about this.”

Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment for Fox, refused to discuss a possible replacement judge for Cowell on American Idol.

“We have to take our time on that,” he said.

“We have to make sure the chemistry of the judges is as good as it can be.”

American Idol has been the country’s most popular television programme for the last five years and has launched stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry.

However, viewing figures have been shrinking since its 2005 peak when it averaged more than 30 million weekly viewers.

In April last year, the show attracted 22.3 million viewers.

Both Cowell and Rice have insisted that both shows would complement each other, not detract.

See all our Music Canvas Art Prints!

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, who became one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. In their heyday the group consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the group later worked in many genres ranging from folk rock to psychedelic pop, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. The nature of their enormous popularity, which first emerged as the “Beatlemania” fad, transformed as their songwriting grew in sophistication. The group came to be perceived as the embodiment of progressive ideals, seeing their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s.

With an early five-piece line-up of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe (bass) and Pete Best (drums), The Beatles built their reputation in Liverpool and Hamburg clubs over a three-year period from 1960. Sutcliffe left the group in 1961, and Best was replaced by Starr the following year. Moulded into a professional outfit by music store owner Brian Epstein after he offered to act as the group’s manager, and with their musical potential enhanced by the hands-on creativity of producer George Martin, The Beatles achieved UK mainstream success in late 1962 with their first single, “Love Me Do”. Gaining international popularity over the course of the next year, they toured extensively until 1966, then retreated to the recording studio until their breakup in 1970. Each then found success in an independent musical career. McCartney and Starr remain active; Lennon was shot and killed in 1980, and Harrison died of cancer in 2001.

During their studio years, The Beatles produced what critics consider some of their finest material including the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), widely regarded as a masterpiece. Nearly four decades after their breakup, The Beatles’ music continues to be popular. The Beatles have had more number one albums on the UK charts, and held down the top spot longer, than any other musical act. According to RIAA certifications, they have sold more albums in the US than any other artist. In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of the all-time top-selling Hot 100 artists to celebrate the US singles chart’s fiftieth anniversary, with The Beatles at number one. They have been honoured with 7 Grammy Awards, and they have received 15 Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. The Beatles were collectively included in Time magazine’s compilation of the 20th century’s 100 most important and influential people

See all our Music Canvas Art

Bono says U2 ‘humbled’ to play Glastonbury

By Tim Masters
Entertainment correspondent, BBC News

Bono has said that U2 are “delighted and humbled” to be headlining at next year’s Glastonbury Festival over its 40th anniversary weekend.

The band will lead the line-up at the Somerset show on Friday 25 June.

“Everyone in the band is very excited about it,” Bono told the BBC at the launch of an anti-Aids/HIV campaign.

It will be U2′s first festival gig for more than 25 years and will see them make a flying visit to the UK in the middle of a North American tour.

Asked if he would use the festival to promote the campaign, Bono said: “I think it will just be about the music on that day, and that spirit that seems to take over everybody in that sacred ground.”

He added: “We’ll certainly be well-rehearsed, we’ll be coming straight from the tour.”

Red laces

Bono was in central London on Monday to launch the “Lace Up. Save Lives” campaign – a partnership between Nike and the (RED) brand, which was co-founded by the U2 frontman.

He was joined at the launch, just ahead of World Aids Day, by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and several other international football stars.

The campaign encourages people to buy red laces to help fund AIDS medication and education programmes in Africa.

Next year’s Glastonbury takes place from 25-27 June – during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

No other headliners have yet been confirmed. David Bowie has denied that he will join U2 on the bill, but it is rumoured that stadium rockers Muse could appear.

Tickets for the event sold out shortly after they went on sale last month.

See all of our Music Canvas Art

Robbie Williams denies engagement

Robbie Williams has said he is not engaged to his girlfriend, despite his mother appearing to confirm the news.

Under the heading “Robbie And Ayda: Are They Or Aren’t They?” on his official website, Williams simply wrote: “Hey all. We are not engaged. Rob.”

Speculation began when the singer made an off-the-cuff proposal to Ayda Field on an Australian radio show.

His spokesman said it was a joke, but his mother Jan later told BBC 5 live he had been planning to pop the question.

After Williams published his denial on Saturday, his spokesman said: “We have no more comment on this apart from to confirm that they are not engaged.”

On Friday, Mrs Williams told 5 live that her son had revealed his proposal plans to her “a week ago”.

She said she was “really pleased” for the couple, adding: “I’ve always wanted a daughter-in-law.”

Asked when she thought the wedding would be, Mrs Williams said: “I don’t think it will be that far in the not-too-distant future, but that’s all I’m going to say on that.”

She added: “I’m very excited. I’m really pleased. They’ve been together for nearly three years, so it’s about time.

“She’s a great mate, as well as a lover. She’s got all the qualities that he needs in a girl. It’s a lovely match.”

Williams had appeared on Australian radio station 2Day FM, where breakfast show host Jackie Henderson told him that Sydney had a reputation for celebrity proposals.

Turning to his girlfriend, the 35-year-old said: “Ayda Field, I love you so much. Do you mind being my betrothed for the end of time?”

Field, who was in the studio at the time, laughed before saying: “I would love to be your betrothed ’til the end of time.”

He then borrowed Henderson’s frog ring and slipped it onto Field’s finger.

For the remainder of the show, Williams accepted the congratulations of fans who phoned in to speak to him.

But when one caller asked Williams to divulge the last lie he had told, he replied: “I told one this morning.

“I mainly just tell people the truth. With the exception of a few white lies here and there.”

Earlier this month, Williams told Jonathan Ross on his chat show that he thought he was “going to be a bachelor” until he met Field.

“I was introduced to Ayda and things just changed. She’s a wonderful person and I’m in love. She’s really broody and I’m getting there,” he said.

See all our music canvas art.

Elton says he wants to adopt boy (Use this Code 5XXXUKRA, and get 5% of all canvas art)

Sir Elton John has said he wants to adopt a toddler he met during a visit to an orphanage in Ukraine.

The 62-year-old singer had performed at the orphanage, where some of the children’s parents had died of Aids.

Sir Elton said during a news conference that he had always rejected the idea of adoption because of his age and his lifestyle of regularly being on tour.

But he said a 14-month-old boy called Lev had “stolen his heart” and forced him to consider a change of mind.

‘Wouldn’t be fair’

Sir Elton said he and partner David Furnish, 46, were asked whether they thought of adopting.

He said: “David and I have always talked about adoption, David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said ‘no’ because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have, maybe it wouldn’t be fair for the child.

“But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don’t know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David’s heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I’ve changed my mind today.”

The singer added that the death of his long-term keyboardist, Guy Babylon, had also influenced his decision.

“Last week I lost one of my best friends; my keyboard player died of a heart attack at 52.

“It broke my heart because he was such a genius and so young and has two wonderful children.

“What better opportunity to replace someone I lost than to replace him with someone I can give a future to.”

See all our Music Canvas Art!

Moyles sets breakfast DJ record (Use this Code 5XXXUKRA, and get 5% of all canvas art)

Chris Moyles has become the longest-serving breakfast DJ on BBC Radio 1.

The host, who took charge of the show in 2004, has overtaken a record set by Tony Blackburn more than 30 years ago.

Moyles has now clocked up 2,073 days in the job. He has also revealed that he took a 20% pay cut three months ago as a result of cost-cutting at the BBC.

“No-one likes to take a pay cut,” he told BBC News. “But I want to work at the BBC, which is trying to save some of its gazillions.”

Moyles and his team are celebrating the milestone in Plymouth, at the start of a tour of Britain. They will travel to Cardiff, Leeds and Glasgow before returning to London.

The 35-year-old joined the station in 1997, initially working in the 0400 slot.

But the self-styled “saviour of Radio 1″ never hid his ambition of landing what he considered to be the top job in radio.

Since taking over the breakfast slot from Sara Cox, Moyles’s time on air has been extended twice and he has boosted the show’s audience from 5.5 million listeners a week to the current level of 7.3 million.

His zoo-style format has won him a loyal audience, and his core team – co-presenter “Comedy” Dave Vitty, producers Rachel Jones and Aled Jones and newsreader Dominic Byrne – have been with him since the show started.

Sports reporter Carrie Davis replaced Juliette Ferrington in October 2004.

But Moyles’s career on the station has not been without controversy, and he has previously drawn fire for jokes about Auschwitz and gay singer Will Young.

In July, the DJ hit out at BBC red tape and the lengths that the corporation goes to not to cause upset.

Some critics have also questioned whether Moyles can keep in touch with the young listeners the Radio 1 aims to attract.

Tony Blackburn gave up the breakfast show up when 29, saying at the time he was married and “didn’t fit the image any more”.

Earlier this year BBC Radio 1 denied that it was preparing to replace Moyles.

“He has a hugely successful show with over seven million listeners,” a spokesman said at the time.

See all  our Bristish canvas art!