Music News: Monday 15th September 2014

Headlines

Andrea Marongui: Unknown Circumstances of Death

Crystal Fighter’s drummer Andrea Marongui has died. At the moment the cause of death has not been revealed. The band issued the following statement:

“It is with deep regret and great sadness that we announce the tragic passing of our drummer and friend, Andrea Marongiu. Andrea was not only one of the most brilliant, skilful and charismatic drummers to have ever graced the stage, but also an incredibly kind, fun and loving friend to us all. Our condolences go out to anyone who was lucky enough to have known him, and most particularly to his family. We are all completely heartbroken by this news and we can’t hold back the tears as we write this message to you. Andrea, thank you for all the incredible joy and life you brought to this band and to our lives for the last four years. We love you and miss you more than words can say right now.”

Foo Fighters Secret Gig

The Foo Fighters played a secret gig under the pseudonym The Holy Shits. The show took place in London’s Queen Elisabeth Park.

Bad Week for Tom Clarke

The Enemy’s Tom Clarke has left Twitter following a host of abuse sent his way. The decision came after journalists called him a “hobbit”.

The Cockpit Closes

Leeds musical hotspot The Cockpit has closed its doors. A statement issued on the venue website explained the reasons behind the closure:

“It is with great regret that we have to announce the permanent closure of the Cockpit. After 20 great years as an integral pillar of the Leeds music scene we have decided that it is no longer viable to deliver you the level of service you deserve with the building in its current condition.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you who came to watch your favourite bands, danced, stage dived, crowd surfed, found your life partner and gave the Cockpit its reputation as one of the best live music venues in the UK.”

The Mercury Prize Shortlist Announced

The nominees for The Mercury Prize shortlist was announced this week. The nominees are as follows:

Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots

Royal Blood – Royal Blood

Kate Tempest – Everybody Down

Bombay Bicycle Club – So Long, See You Tomorrow

Nick Mulvey – First Mind

FKA Twigs – LP1

Jungle – Jungle

East India Youth – Total Strife Forever

Young Fathers – Dead

Polar Bear – In Each And Every One

Anna Calvi – On Breath

GoGo Penguuin – v2.0

Top Download for Pharrell

Good news for Pharrell Williams. His song Happy has become the most downloaded song in the UK.

Live Announcements

Nick Mulvey

Nick Mulvey is touring in October.

9^th October – The Phoenix, Exeter

10^th October – Princess Pavillions, Falmouth

12^th October – o2 Academy, Oxford

13^th October – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (Sold out)

14^th October – Komedia, Bath

16^th October – o2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London

17^th October – Junction, Cambridge

19^th October – Waterfront, Norwich

20^th October – Komedia, Brighton (Sold out)

22^nd October – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (Sold out)

23^rd October – Institute, Birmingham

24^th October – Leadmill, Sheffield

26^th October – Oran Mor, Glasgow (Sold out)

27^th October – The Sage, Gateshead

30^th October – Cathedral, Manchester

31^st October – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Sold out)

Sam Smith

Due to extra demand, Sam Smith has added extra dates to his 2015 tour.

19^th March – Apollo, Manchester

20^th March – Apollo, Manchester

22^nd March – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

23^rd March – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

25^th March – o2 Academy Brixton, London

26^th March – o2 Academy Brixton, London

27^th March – o2 Academy Brixton, London

Slow Coaches

Slow Coaches start their September tour this week.

15^th September – Mello Mello, Liverpool

16^th September – Castle Hotel, Manchester

17^th September – The Great Gatsby, Shefield

18^th September – The Chameleon, Nottingham

19^th September – Bleach, Brighton

We Were Promised Jet Packs

We Were Promised Jet Packs are currently touring. Are you going?

17^th September – Garage, Aberdeen

18^th September – Non-Zero’s, Dundee

19^th September – Caves, Edinburgh

20^th September – Deaf Institute, Manchester

21^st September – Komedia, Brighton

8^th October – The Lexington, London

13^th December – QU, Glasgow

Released This Week

Partners – Barbara Streisand

No Sound Without Silence – The Script

Bulletproof Picasso – Train

X – Chris Brown

Somewhere Under Wonderland – Counting Crows

The Balcony – Catfish and the Bottlemen

Dream Your Life Away – Vance Joy

Last Fair Day Gone Night – Katatonia

Kerry Ellis – Kerry Ellis