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Live Updates

Sarah Jane Griffiths and Kev Geoghegan

All times stated are UK

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  1. It's the weekend...

    Well, close enough anyway.. Sorry but that is all we have for you this week.

    Scroll down to read about Biffy Clyro's nude look on their new album; a premiere of Elton John's new video - the first time he's appeared in such a clip for 11 years; plus new music from Olly Murs and John Newman.

    We'll be back again on Monday, hope you'll join us then.

  2. Wolf Alice 'very happy' to be 'stealing' Mumford & Sons' Hyde Park crowd

    Sarah Jane Griffiths

    Music News LIVE reporter

    Wolf Alice

    Olly Murs might be all excited about supporting Take That in Hyde Park tomorrow (scroll down for more from him), but tonight's British Summertime gig is headlined by Mumford & Sons - and their support Wolf Alice are equally thrilled to be the chosen ones.

    "We're very happy that Mumford & Sons asked us to play - we can steal some of their crowd hopefully," singer Ellie tells us backstage ahead of their early evening set. 

    "We've never met them, maybe we'll meet them today, I don't know. I haven't seen them knocking about yet."

    The London-based four piece say they'll have "a few" Wolf Alice friends and family in the crowd for the hometown gig. 

    "People are bored of us now," jokes Ellie. 

    "They've seen us so many times," adds Theo laughing, "There's only so many times you can make them watch the same old boring Wolf Alice set." 

    So about that boring set... it's a year since the band's Mercury Prize-nominated debut My Love is Cool came out - so will they be debuting any new songs?

    "No, we're not playing any new songs today," says Theo, "but it's very much in our consciousness at the moment."

    The band admit they're still coming back down to earth after their Pyramid Stage set at Glastonbury

    Theo says: "I regret saying it now but I threw up once afterwards, it was quite an overwhelming experience, very exciting though." 

    "It is quite a romanticised memory in my head.

    "It's almost like you don't want to watch it back because you have something in your mind that's quite special... without sounding too emo!"

    We'll bring you all the highlights of this weekend's British Summertime gigs - including Sunday's headliners Stevie Wonder and Pharrell Williams - on Monday and we'll have more from Wolf Alice on that new music here on Music News LIVE next week. 

  3. Franz Ferdinand guitarist leaves band after 15 years

    Nick McCarthy

    Franz Ferdinand's Nick McCarthy is to leave the band after nearly 15 years.

    McCarthy, who played rhythm guitar and keyboard, has been a member of the band since its formation in 2002, recording four albums as well as last year's collaboration with Sparks.

    He was also a member of the band Box Codax.

    In a statement on Twitter, the group said  McCarthy "will not be taking part in the recording or touring of the next Franz Ferdinand album". 

    View more on twitter
  4. Opera Eugene Onegin available online for free

    Eugene Onegin

    BBC Arts has teamed up with Garsington Opera to make Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin available to watch online in full, for free, for six months. 

    The production has just finished its run to rave reviews.

    It is available in two parts at BBC Arts  - along with a synopsis of the plot and and interviews with Conductor Douglas Boyd and director Michael Boyd

  5. Elton John appears in first music video in 11 years

    Sir Elton John

    We have the exclusive first play of a new music video now by Sir Elton John, the first time he has appeared in one of his own music videos in 11 years.

    The promo for A Good Heart, directed by Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen, is "about love in its many forms".

    "I think it’s important to remember that it’s not politicians, it’s not money and it’s not fame which make the world go round – it’s love," said Sir Elton, who was shot performing the song in a studio in London.

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads.

    View more on youtube
  6. Orbital remix Wimbledon theme music for anniversary

    Paul Hartnoll of Orbital has remixed the BBC's Wimbledon theme music to mark its 40th anniversary.

    The original was composed by Keith Mansfield, who claims the much loved tune took him just half a day to compose.

    The new version even features John McEnroe's immortal line: "You cannot be serious!"

    Get in the mood for this weekend's Wimbledon finals by watching a video for the remix below...

    Video content

    Video caption: Wimbledon 2016: Wimbledon theme tune remix
  7. Biffy Clyro: Nude cover art is about 'rebirth'

    Kev Geoghegan

    Arts and entertainment reporter

    Biffy Clyro

    Biffy Clyro release their seventh studio album today, featuring the band naked on the the cover, though their bits are carefully tucked away.

    Simon Neil said the picture came about during a test shot at a photo shoot and he suggested it as "a bit of laugh".

    "James was the first one to put his hand up and strip down and get the picture taken but there was something weird and intimate that it wasn't funny. 

    "There was just a power to it. Peoples reaction has surprise me. I expected a lot of mickey-taking but there's a sincerity to the picture that I think makes it something more than three Scotsmen with their bits out."

    The band had the hottest record on Annie Mac's show on Thursday night and she hosted an album listening party, which you can still listen to

    Read more

  8. Is John Newman's new single actually a Calvin Harris break-up song?

    View more on twitter

    John Newman's new single Ole - a collaboration with Calvin Harris - has been released to buy and stream today. 

    And according to TMZ (and much of the internet) it's actually Calvin's break-up song, and is all about recent ex Taylor Swift's speedy hook up with British actor Tom Hiddleston (now widely known by the collective name Hiddleswift).

    Choice lyrics include: "I see online that you begun to be a good girl and take trips with your boyfriend. Being attentive, continue to pretend ..."

    And, in what's apparently a reference to Hiddleston's Thor character Loki: "Low key you won't tell none of your friends about me."

    View more on twitter

    Newman was a guest on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show this morning, where Nick Grimshaw addressed the topic of the day by asking, "Is that what this song is about?"

    The singer's reply was suitably vague: "Ahhhh... I just went in and sang the song, the lyrics that he'd wrote. I sang them."

    "But surely you'd say to him, 'what's this about?'," persisted Grimmy.

    "I just had to relate to it in my own way," replied Newman. 

    So that (in no way) settles that then.

    For those of a more gossipy persuasion you can catch up on the Hiddleswift saga here (#Hiddleswift is trending in Australia after the pair landed there) and here - as The Guardian ponders whether we've all been 'Hiddleswindled' by an elaborate publicity stunt.   

  9. Olly Murs 'excited' about new single and supporting Take That

    Olly Murs

    It's a big week for Olly Murs, who's shared his new single You Don't Know Love today and is supporting Take That at Hyde Park this weekend.

    He celebrated with a live stream on Facebook from his hotel room this morning.

    But while Radio 1's track of the day is a relatively upbeat-sounding number, Olly told us You Don't Know Love is actually all about getting over his recent heartbreak. 

    "I had a break up last year with my girlfriend, it was difficult to go through that, it’s not nice," he said. 

    "So this song kind of speaks about that. Hopefully people will connect with it."

    He's also super excited to support his pals Take That at their British Summertime show in London on Saturday:

    Quote Message: I can’t wait - it's a huge show, 65,000 people! I mean I’ve had the luxury over a few years to perform with so many great acts, but to be on the bill with Take That is a real honour. I know Gary really well and the guys, so it’s going to be a great day. All my family are coming. I don’t think they’re coming to watch me, but it’s going to be superb.
  10. Guy Garvey pens track for new series of Cold Feet

    Guy Garvey

    Elbow frontman and 6 Music presenter Guy Garvey has teamed up with his best mate and musical collaborator, I Am Kloot bassist Peter Jobson, to write the title track for the return of classic 90s series Cold Feet. 

    The show's star James Nesbitt had personally requested Garvey compose something for the new series when the pair appeared together on Chris Evans' Radio 2 show earlier this year. 

    The track, called The Rover Returns, features Guy on lead vocals. 

    "We’re thrilled and flattered that these two iconic sons of Manchester wanted to write and perform an original song to mark the return of Cold Feet," said exec producer Kenton Allen. 

    "Amazing music has always been part the show’s DNA and it’s great to give a nod to the rich musical heritage of Manchester with Guy and Pete’s beautiful new composition."

    The new series is expected to air this autumn on ITV - and here's a (very short) teaser:

    Warning: third party content, may contain ads.

    View more on youtube
  11. A dummies' guide to writing a hit song

    Linda Perry

    If you have ever looked at the success of songwriters like Guy Chambers, Max Martin or Linda Perry (pictured above) and thought: "I want some of that..." then BBC iWonder might be able to help you out.

    They've produced a guide, presented by Busted and Westlife songwriter John McLaughlin, with tips from the likes of Carly Simon and Nile Rodgers.

    It won't guarantee you a top ten hit but it may get your creative juices flowing.

    Read more

  12. Clean Bandit release elemental video for single Tears

    The single has been out for a few weeks but now Clean Bandit have added a music video to Tears, their track with former X factor singer Louisa Johnson.

    It's got lots of water, smoke, fire and even a celebrity owl*. What more could you want?   

    Jack from the band said: "The video conveys the fire you need to find within yourself in order to part from a person you love."

    *the owl is same one who played Hedwig in the Harry Potter movies.

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads.

    View more on youtube
  13. AC/DC bassist sounds end of his relationship with the band

    AC/DC

    AC/DC's staffing problems looks set to continue after the band's long-time bass player Cliff Williams has announced his plans to retire. 

    The rock band has lost several members in recent years - guitarist Malcolm Young to dementia, singer Brian Johnson to hearing problems and drummer Phill Rudd to legal problems in New Zealand.

    Now Williams has told Florida magazine Gulfshore Life: "It’s been what I’ve known for the past 40 years, but after this tour I’m backing off of touring and recording".

    He added: "Losing Malcolm, the thing with Phil and now with Brian, it’s a changed animal. I feel in my gut it’s the right thing."

    The band have recently been playing live with Guns N'Roses singer Axl Rose standing in for the stricken Johnson.

  14. Ringo Starr still won't sign autographs

    Ringo Starr

    He may have been surrounded by dozens of fans helping him celebrate his 76th birthday but that didn't mean Ringo Starr has softened his position on autograph hunters.

    The former Beatles drummer staged an open concert outside the Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles, and urged people around the world to say "peace and love" at midday. 

    He said: "I don't autograph. All autographs are on stuff that I've (done). One of my paintings or something I'm involved with, and it goes to charity. 

    "It doesn't just go out there for other people to sell."

  15. Spice Girls tease fans over possible reunion 'party'

    The will they/won't they Spice Girls reunion saga continues this morning, with the Spice Girls themselves adding fuel to the fire - well three of them anyway. 

    To celebrate their debut single Wannabe turning 20, Mel B, Geri, and Emma Bunton have posted a new video on Twitter, telling fans "We hope to tell you soon what you want, what you really really want…"

    In the video message, directed to "the best fans in the whole world", the ladies said "a big thank you" for sticking with them for two decades. 

    They added: "We want to celebrate and have a party...and when we do... you're all invited!"  

    Warning: third party content, may contain ads.

    View more on youtube

    And there's more - songwriter and producer Eliot Kennedy has revealed he's been in the studio with the trio working on a "brilliant" new song, on Good Morning Britain.

    If that isn't enough Spice Girls for you, BBC Music has come up with six reasons why Scary, Sporty, Ginger, Baby and Posh were the Sex Pistols of the 90s.

    BBC News reporter Elise Wicker has also been looking at what the real legacy of the Spice Girls is twenty years on, which you can watch below: 

    Video content

    Video caption: The Spice Girls Legacy
  16. T in the Park boss has 'learnt massive lessons' from venue change

    BBC Newsbeat

    Calvin Harris

    The organiser of T in the Park has admitted learning "massive lessons" from last year's festival which saw complaints about crowd safety, traffic congestion and anti-social behaviour.

    Scotland's biggest music festival moved to Perthshire's Strathallan Castle in 2015 after 17 years at Balado in Kinross.

    "Moving a festival is a difficult feat," said director Geoff Ellis.

    "We listened to all the customer comments. We got a lot of them and we've acted on what people told us."

    Last year angry music-lovers demanded refunds after being unable to leave the park. This year there will be separate roads for buses and cars and an improved bus station.

    Thousands of fans have already arrived on site to see acts including The Stone Roses, Calvin Harris and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

    Read more

  17. John Legend: 'We need peace on our streets'

    Singer John Legend is among those calling for calm in the US, after five Dallas police officers were killed and at least six wounded by sniper fire during protests against the shooting of black men by police. 

    Legend - who won a best song Oscar for the civil rights drama Selma - called the shootings "horrific" and "completely counterproductive to keeping us safe", adding "we need peace on our streets". 

    Police have been involved in a stand-off with an armed man, while three other people are in custody.

    The protests were sparked by the deaths of Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana.

    View more on twitter
    View more on twitter

    Before the shootings occurred in Dallas, several prominent black musicians had reacted to the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile - as well as the issue of police brutality against black men in the US.

    Beyonce halted her gig in Glasgow on Thursday night to hold a minute's silence in memory of dozens of recent victims of police shootings - lighting up a giant screen in Hampden Park Stadium with their names. 

    She also gave an a cappella performance of Freedom, her recent track that addresses the Black Lives Matter movement - and posted a message on her website urging followers to "take a stand and demand that they stop killing us".

    View more on twitter

    Beyonce's husband Jay Z has released a new track addressing the deaths of Sterling and Castile. 

    He debuted Spiritual, his first new solo track in three years, on Tidal along with a statement telling fans "I'm saddened and disappointed in THIS America - we should be further along."

    View more on twitter

    Drake also shared his thoughts in an open letter which followed the shooting of Sterling - telling followers he was "disheartened, emotional and truly scared".

  18. Good morning

    Hi everyone, we have got lots of news for you today - those Spice Girls reunion rumours have been reignited by the ladies themselves (well three of them anyway), plus we'll hear from Biffy Clyro and OIly Murs on their latest music and we have a video premiere in the form of the great Sir Elton John.

    If you missed Thursday's Music News LIVE, you can still catch up with news of a Destiny's Child star joining the BBC proms, the Kaiser Chiefs on their changing sound plus Dolly Parton's Glastonbury set will now be available to fans...