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Live Updates

Sarah Jane Griffiths

All times stated are UK

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  1. We're off...

    ...to double check we've got our wellies packed - but we'll be back bright and early with more Glastonbury build-up from our reporters on the worryingly soggy ground. 

    Scroll down for today's news on the #Glastonburytraffic chaos and the essentials you need to pack before you head off, plus news on Prince, Rihanna, a new Michael Jackson TV series and Missy Elliott's collaboration with Kanye West. 

    We'll leave you with some light relief in the form of Jimmy Fallon's perfect Neil Young impression. The Tonight Show host was joined by the star for a second time in the US last night, where the pair performed Two Neil Youngs on a Tree Stump...

    View more on youtube
  2. Glastonbury site 'open for business'

    Glastonbury arrivals

    After queues of up to 12 hours for some Glastonbury festival-goers, the site is now "open for business". 

    However, the 100,000 plus ticket holders are being warned, "please expect to queue". 

    View more on twitter

    Meanwhile, for anyone who has a ticket and can't bear the thought of the mud, Nile Rodgers has announced in a cheeky move that it'll be valid at his Fold Festival at London's Fulham Palace. 

    Nile Rodgers

    Beck, Labrinth, John Newman, Alison Moyet and Chic are on the line-up - and your Glastonbury ticket will get you in free, should you wimp out.    

  3. Mary J Blige says Kanye 'killed it' on their 'dramatic' collaboration

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Mary J Blige

    Mary J Blige has confirmed reports she and Kanye West have collaborated on a track for her new album - and revealed the rapper "kills it".  

    The singer and actress, who is currently in New Orleans filming indie drama Mudbound opposite Carey Mulligan, shared details of the "incredible" track with The Hollywood Reporter

    Quote Message: I don't want to give up the name of the song yet, but the album is mostly complete. But I absolutely got a chance to work with the great Kanye West. And the song is crazy - I can't wait for people to hear it.
    Quote Message: The flavour of the track starts off with piano keys. It’s very dramatic in the beginning and it goes into a loud horn. That is, like an old sample horn. And then this gigantic beat kicks in and I sing. He rhymes after my two verses. It's incredible. He kills it. I wish I could give you the title, you’d flip, but I just can’t do it yet.
  4. David Lynch to host Festival of Disruption in LA

    Billboard magazine

    David Lynch

    Filmmaker and musician David Lynch has announced a two day festival in Los Angeles this October, and he's booked Robert Plant, St Vincent, Questlove and Sky Ferreira to play. 

    The Festival of Disruption at the Theatre at Ace Hotel will also feature "talks, exhibits, virtual reality, dance and film" featuring everyone from architect Frank Gehry to legendary comedian Mel Brooks and Blondie members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.

    Lynch is currently working on a Twin Peaks reboot, and his festival will see composer Angelo Badalamenti performing The Music of Twin Peaks, as well as appearances from cast members Kyle Maclachlan and Laura Dern. 

  5. Video content

    Video caption: A violin made using spiders' silk has been developed at Imperial College London.
  6. Blink-182 'never' considered stopping

    Blink 182

    Blink-182 have said they "never" thought about ending the group - despite founding member Tom DeLonge quitting in January last year.

    His departure came just before work started on the band's seventh studio album, California.

    But ahead of its release Mark Hoppus has told Newsbeat: "It never crossed my mind to stop.

    Meanwhile DeLonge himself has denied actually quitting the band, along with recent reports he did so to study UFOs.

    Tom DeLonge

    In a slightly bizarre Facebook post he told fans: "Quitting the band to search for UFOs? Hahhaha... [What] is wrong with you media? 

    "I'm actually talking to Travis about us right now... Never did quit, remember?"

    He continued "But - Am I currently working with people in the Government? YES", before adding "wait for the documentary before considering ridiculous headlines". 

    In a previous incarnation of the post he'd also included the comment: 

    "It's a serious project that has far reaching National Security implications, and has to be rolled out respectfully. It has nothing to do with the band."

    So that (in no way whatsoever really) clears that up then...

  7. Laura Mvula covers Coldplay during live performance for Annie Mac

    Annie Mac and Laura Mvula

    Laura Mvula's hectic promo tour for new album The Dreaming Room passed through Annie Mac's Radio 1 studio last night, stopping just long enough to show off three specially-recorded live tracks. 

    You can listen back now to the session and Laura's chat with Annie - in which she discusses a phone call from Elton John and discovering Kanye West's music.

    Her three songs included recent banger Phenomenal Woman and a cover of Coldplay's Magic. 

    They're headlining Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage on Sunday and when we caught up with Laura a couple of months back she dropped some not-so-subtle hints she'd like to join them (not to mention snog Chris Martin). 

    It seems she's still keen on both ideas...

  8. JJ Abrams working on Michael Jackson mini series

    Michael Jackson

    There's a mini series about Michael Jackson's final months in the works, and it's being developed by Star Wars director JJ Abrams. 

    According to CNN, Abrams has teamed up with writer Tavis Smiley to work on the project which is based on Smily's new book, Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days. 

    It's described as a "novelistic rendering of the final months in the life of one of the most iconic figures in modern popular culture".

    The series will be produced by Warner Bros Television, although it's not known which network would air the show, on which Abrams and Smiley are exec producers. 

    The pair are currently also developing a TV series about Smiley's 2014 book on Martin Luther King's final year. 

    Meanwhile, the Michael Jackson estate has strenuously denied allegations regarding an alleged pornography collection once found on the star's property, telling Digital Spy in a statement that "enough is enough".

  9. Billy Ocean reveals arrest over false drug dealing claims

    Billy Ocean has revealed he was once falsely arrested over claims he was drug dealing as he waited to rehearse in London's Ladbroke Grove.

    The UK's biggest-selling black artist of all time has sold more than 30 million records with number ones all over the world. 

    Billy told Phil Williams on BBC Radio 5 live he was about to rehearse with a steel pan band in Ladbroke Grove when police appeared and arrested them 16 or 17 years ago.

    Billy kept quiet though, telling Phil: "If I was to say I was Billy Ocean it might make things worse."

    Video content

    Video caption: Billy Ocean, arrested over false claim of drug dealing as he waited for a band rehearsal
  10. TLC return set after successful crowd-funding campaign

    NME

    Left Eye, T-Boz and Chili
    Image caption: TLC's Left Eye, T-Boz and Chili accept an MTV Video Award for No Scrubs in 1999

    Big news for fans of 90s R&B - that TLC comeback is a step closer, after a crowdfunding campaign to raise £100,000 pulled in nearly triple their target.

    The remaining members of the group, T-Boz and Chili, have recorded 15 new songs according to manager Bill Diggins, who said: “The best is definitely yet to come.” 

    It would be the first TLC album in 14 years, following 2002's 3D which was completed following the death of Lisa Left-Eye Lopes in a car crash. 

    The band - whose hits included No Scrubs and Waterfalls - have said: “This album, our final album, is dedicated to all of you that have stuck with us, always challenging us to do our best. 

    "And of course, it's for the new fans too! We just want to put out great music that touches everyone. That's it."

    Read more

  11. Glastonbury update: Traffic 'improving' but 'take your time'

    The BBC team in Somerset have set up a page dedicated to the #Glastonburytraffic situation, and how things are looking on site. 

    Organisers are "pleased to report that the picture is improving" after the wet weather and super soggy ground caused heavy traffic around the site. 

    But if you're yet to set off by car or campervan their advice is to "remain where you are for the time being, please".

    They add: "There is no need to rush. Take your time and stop off. The longer you leave it the less you will have to queue."

    And with queues of up to 10 or 12 hours being reported, you might want to take that advice. Or at least bring a cricket bat...

    View more on twitter
  12. Sigur Ros share new video after slow TV event

    Still from Sigur Ros video

    Sigur Rós have been busy this week... following yesterday's Route One 24-hour slow TV tour around Iceland, they've now shared a video for their new song Óveður. 

    Shot in the Icelandic town of Grindavík, it follows a homeless woman as she gets very drunk before going to a bar and randomly biting, bleeding, and drawing on people - and eventually starting a fire. 

    Óveður is the band's first new song since 2013's Kveikur and was featured in Route One as well as being debuted live on their current tour - the next stop is Bristol Summer Series tomorrow night, before Glastonbury on Friday. 

    The video features some blood and guts and some other slightly disturbing sights so we won't post it here, but you can check it out on YouTube. Maybe don't watch it while you're eating though...

  13. Aphex Twin releases first video in 17 years and it's directed by a 12-year-old

    Illusive electronic star Aphex Twin has just released his first new music video in 17 years, and it's directed by an unknown 12-year-old from Ireland that he discovered on YouTube. 

    The eight-minute video is for his new song - the catchily-titled CIRKLON3 - the first from forthcoming EP Cheetah due out on 8 July.

    Aphex Twin (real name Richard D James) scored a Mercury Prize nomination for his last full length album, Syro, in 2014 but instead of choosing a big name director, he's collaborated with 12-year-old fan Ryan Wyer. 

    Wyer's YouTube channel epic1:40d Gaming features both homemade Aphex Twin videos and characters such as Peppa Pig enjoying his tunes.

    The new CIRKLON3 video features dancing children (including Wyer and his family), lots of people in Richard D James masks and plenty of Aphex Twin T-shirts.

    Enjoy...

    View more on youtube

    Warning: third party content, may contain adds.

  14. Glasto essentials you don't know you need

    Woman in the crowd at Glastonbury

    If you've had to delay your Glastonbury journey, there IS a silver lining people... More time to procure the essentials! As any former Scout worth their salt will know, it pays to be prepared.

    So thank heavens the Newsbeat team has compiled a comprehensive list of things to take to the festival that will make it a whole lot better. 

    From bin bags to ear plugs, you won't want to be without. 

  15. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to headline Proms in the Park

    Frankie Valli

    Frankie Valli will be bringing his trademark falsetto vocals - which featured on hits like Big Girls Don't Cry (beloved of any self-respecting Dirty Dancing fan) - to London's Hyde Park for this year's Proms in the Park. 

    Along with his band, The Four Seasons, he'll headline the open-air event on 10 September, joining a line-up that includes All Saints, ABC, Rick Astley, The Feeling, and comedian Tim Minchin with the cast of Matlilda: The Musical. 

    Classical stars including Juan Diego Florez and Sir James Galway will also perform along with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society.

    Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - who inspired hit musical Jersey Boys - say they're "honoured and excited" to be performing their hits, which also include Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).

    The show is broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, as well as hooking up with the Royal Albert Hall for a Last Night singalong.   

    More details on the Proms in the Park website

  16. Sir Cliff Richard says he is 'tarnished' by sex abuse allegations

    Cliff Richard

    Sir Cliff Richard has said he feels "tarnished" by allegations of historical sexual abuse, after being told he will not face charges.

    The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Thursday there was "insufficient evidence to prosecute" the 75-year-old singer.

    Sir Cliff told ITV's Good Morning Britain he disliked the terminology.

    "Insufficient suggests that maybe there's something there and I know there wasn't," he said.

    "There are certain terminologies [the CPS] have to use, and in this case, they never say there is no evidence, they just say insufficient evidence."

    He said he believed suspects in sexual abuse cases should not be publicly named unless they are formally charged and questioned if accusers should have anonymity for life.

    "I can understand protecting children, but my accusers are all men, grown up men. I don't see why they should be protected," he said.

    Read more

  17. Adam Lambert joins Australian X Factor

    Adam Lambert

    Pop star and part-time Queen vocalist Adam Lambert is to become a judge on The X Factor Australia, joining new judge Iggy Azalea and former Eurovision contestant Guy Sebastian.

    And is Adam excited about this? Of course he is.

    “I am very excited to join The X Factor in Australia as a judge and am looking forward to helping people shine their brightest,” he said in a statement.

    “Australia has always been one of my favourite places to tour. The Aussies I’ve met are so kind and good humoured- so the thought of getting to LIVE in Sydney is very exciting.”  

    The X Factor Australia has been revamped for its eighth series - losing one judging position and, consequently, one of the categories. 

    Channel Seven hasn't announced who's up for the chop but, let's face it, it's going to be the over-25s, isn't it? 

  18. Mega Glastonbury Preview

    Kano, Tame Impala and Roisin Murphy

    Here's something else to do while you're stuck in Glastonbury traffic - why not spend some time reading our mega-preview of the festival's highlights?

    We've spoken to 11 acts playing at Worthy Farm this weekend - including Kano, Tame Impala and Roisin Murphy (all pictured above).

    Among the performers is conductor Charles Hazlewood, who'll be leading a performance of Philip Glass's Heroes symphony in tribute to David Bowie.

    The set will be accompanied by an innovative laser light show. "Provided it's a relatively clear night, you'll be able to see the light from the moon," he says.

    Fat chance, Charles. 

    Read the interviews here

  19. Prince protege recalls emergency plane landing

    New York Times

    Prince

    Singer Judith Hill, who worked closely with Prince for the last two years of his life, was one of just three passengers on the star's private jet in April, when he lost consciousness and had to be rushed to hospital.

    She has spoken about the incident for the first time to the New York Times, recalling she shared dinner and conversation with Prince before he suddenly fell ill. 

    By the time the plane landed, Prince had come round, which Hill said "was such a relief to me, because I thought he was gone."

    The incident took place on 15 April, just six days before Prince's death from an overdose of the painkiller Fentanyl.

    But Hill says the emergency landing had helped convince the pop legend he needed medical help. 

    “And that’s the part that breaks my heart, because he was trying. He was trying,” she said.

    Read more

  20. Glastonbury ask people to delay their journeys due to traffic chaos

    Glastonbury arrivals

    So the Glastonbury gates are now open, BUT there is already heavy traffic around the site after recent wet weather made it a bit of a mudbath. 

    Organisers are asking people to delay their journeys if they've yet to set off, or stop off "somewhere warm and safe" to avoid queuing inside their vehicle for hours. 

    View more on twitter

    We'll keep you updated but follow @glastofest on Twitter for the latest updates, and if you've time to kill before you actually set foot on Worthy Farm, why not take this virtual 360 tour of the site courtesy of BBC Music.

    You can also take heart from this tweet from Glastonbury veteran and Bestival boss Rob Da Bank...

    View more on twitter

    And if you're not going, you might enjoy some more photos of people looking miserable while dragging their worldly possessions through lots of mud...

    Glastonbury arrivals
    Glastonbury arrivals