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Black Sabbath Reunion In Jeopardy

Sergio Pereira — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:32:54 +0000

Black Sabbath’s upcoming reunion has been put in jeopardy with news that drummer Bill Ward might drop out due to an “unsignable contract”.

Ward posted a detailed statement on his official website. One of the excerpts reads as follows:

“At this time, I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a “signable” contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band. Last year, I worked diligently in good faith with Tony, Ozzy and Geezer. And on 11/11/11, again in good faith, I participated in the L.A. press conference. Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another “unsignable” contract was handed to me.”

Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes Returns In 2012

Sergio Pereira — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:43:28 +0000

Saturday 7 April 2012 sees the revival of a festival favourite, Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes, at its new venue, Jam Street just outside Oudtshoorn.

Historically, Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes has hosted some of South Africa’s biggest music icons. Stalwarts such as Valiant Swart, Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba, Koos Kombuis, Jack Hammer, Johannes Kerkorrel and Anton Goosen paved the way for FPK/Fokofpolisiekar, Corne & Twakkie, Mandoza and Prime Circle; defining this one day open air music celebration as the highlight of the ABSA KKNK.

With this rebirth of sorts, expect the return of a killer South African line-up catering for a variety of musical tastes, a few surprises, as well as current heavy-hitters who have never graced the Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes stage before.

So circle the date and whatever you do, don’t miss out on Kaktus Op Die Vlaktes 2012.

5 Reasons Why The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Are Really A Boy Band

Sergio Pereira — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:10:58 +0000

It is all a conspiracy. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles might be exactly what they are labelled as, but they are also something far worse. Much worse than Darth Vader’s Death Star or the demise of Cherry Coke. I hate to break this to you, but I’m afraid I’ll have to: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are really a boy band.

Here are the 5 reasons why:

1. Rat Manager

Behind every successful boy band is a rat-bastard manager, who would sell his own mother for a packet of branded Skittles. I mean, really, why else would Master Splinter adopt 4 mutated reptiles and give them such marketable names? I just see how the meeting went in Hollywood: Splinter: “Hmm…let’s start a boy band, made up of 4 turtles, all named after Renaissance artists!” Execs: “We love it! Here’s $20 million!”

I still believe after the Turtles’ popularity waned in the mid 90s, Splinter was responsible for the ghastly Street Sharks, another boy band made of sharks. Typical rotten manager move…

2. Predictable Personalities

Remember how every boy band consisted of the leader, the bad boy, the funny guy and the smart one? You know what I’m talking about. Leonardo is Ronan Keating, Raphael is A.J. McLean, Michelangelo is Joey Fatone, and Donatello is Danny Wood. April O’Neil is also the groupie, in case you were wondering.

3. Synchronised Moves and Similar Outfits

Synchronised moves and similar wardrobes…no, we’re not talking about Westlife; we’re talking about the Turtles. Yeah, I saw you 4 pesky turtles getting your synchronised jive on to Vanilla Ice in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. Every fight scene looking like it was choreographed by the team behind New Kids on the Block. Disgusting.

4. Punks Loathe Them

We’ve already established that Bebop and Rocksteady are punk supervillains, but why do they hate the Turtles so much? It’s because they’re pop scum! Think about it: do you think you’d ever spot Henry Rollins enjoying a pint with Aaron Carter? Absolutely not. Bebop and Rocksteady just want to make raw tunes and show the finger to the system, but the Turtles keep hogging (no offence, Bebop) the spotlight. Travesty, I tell you.

5. Marketing Whores

Putting their likeness on everything from pizza to lunch boxes to bubble bath, the Turtles even put the Parlotones to shame with their unabashed lust for cold, hard cash. They don’t care about selling out – just selling. Everyone who was born in the 80s is responsible for aiding them by purchasing their action figure line. Shame on us.

- Sergio Pereira

Jack White’s Debut Album Out April 24

Sergio Pereira — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:08:59 +0000

‘Love Interruption’, the first taste of Jack White’s forthcoming debut album, Blunderbuss, is available exclusively to Third Man Records’ Vault members to hear now, and will become available to the public as a free stream at www.jackwhiteIII.com in 30 minutes. The digital version of the track will be available to purchase tonight at 9 pm PST/12 AM EST.

Blunderbuss will be released April 24 on Third Man Records/ Columbia.

A vinyl version of the ‘Love Interruption’ single featuring exclusive non-LP B-side ‘Machine Gun Silhouette’ will be released February 7 on Third Man Records.

Produced by White and recorded at his own Third Man Studio in Nashville, Blunderbuss has been described by White as “an album I couldn’t have released until now. I’ve put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas.”

Lonehill Estate Are Going to Hollywood

Sergio Pereira — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:05:07 +0000

Lonehill Estate have been invited to perform in Los Angeles at the esteemed MUSEXPO in Hollywood this April. MUSEXPO, the highly respected and critically acclaimed annual international music conference, will take place on April 29 – May 2, 2012 at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

But what’s more, Lonehill Estate will also be performing at the renowned Viper Room during their visit. The Viper Room was partly owned by actor Johnny Depp, until 2004, and to this day continues to host multiple music genres, including metal, rock, punk and alternative. Situated on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the club is known to be a popular hangout for the Hollywood elite.

Frontman Nathan Ro expresses his excitement, “LA, baby! Just like Nonhle Thema, Lonehill Estate will walk the streets of Hollywood. I sure hope we don’t come back jerks or anything. Just like losing weight each achievement is like a notch on our belt… and we are looking good. We are so excited to be going and showcasing ourselves for the Americans. We hope to do a night drive and hopefully see a Kardashian.”

The New Justin Bieber: Conor Maynard

Sergio Pereira — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:45:45 +0000

Not content with just one Biebster, the evil scientists in the music dungeon have created yet another teenage pop star. His name is Conor Maynard – yes, with just one “n”, yo!

The 19-year-old Brighton singer/songwriter has just won MTV’s Brand New 2012 competition with 45% of the public votes and has found exposure by posting songs on YouTube. Conor has been signed to EMI music, and has already been dubbed “the UK’s answer to Justin Bieber”, as well as drawing comparisons to Justin Timberlake.

Apparently, he put himself on the map with “bedroom style” cover versions of other artists’ hits, and it quickly resulted in record deal offers, as well as surprise, unlikely midnight Skype call with superstar Ne-Yo.

Valentines Central Splash Ft. DJ Lock N Load

Sergio Pereira — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:12:31 +0000

30 PLUS Events will again show Johannesburg’s over-30s party connoisseurs how it’s done, when they stage their special VALENTINES CENTRAL SPLASH on Saturday 11 Feb 2012 at Central Country Lodge in Lonehill. They are in the midst of production for a spectacular event to transform the weekend before Valentine’s Day into a stylishly hot, sexy pool party that will even make Miami blush.

This unique party concept during the Month of Love has confirmed international superstar Lock N Load (Netherlands) as its headline DJ, who promises to inject the event with that extra bit of dance floor glamour fans have come to expect from 30 Plus. They will be joined on the decks by 30 Plus residents James Damian and DJ Speedy, along with guests Jakee and the Commercial Hooligans from KZN.

Lock N Load (aka Dirty Hertz) is the inspired collaboration of Frank van Rooijen (who will be playing at the event) and Andre Frauenstein. Coming together from two different vantage points in electronic music, the twosome discovered and developed a strong friendship years back, while also still serving their own sound sectors in the global dance industry.

Their sound experiments with various influences for a sound excursion truly unique to Africa’s electronic circuit. Apart from their own remix work for some of the world’s top dance labels and artists, their music is also played and supported by the likes of David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Judge Jules and Tiesto – to name but a few.

The venue for this highly anticipated event features a “lollypop” patio located right in the middle of the swimming pool, on which the DJ box will be set up – overlooking the party animals savouring the summer beats in the water. There will also be various surrounding dance floor areas around the pool; as well as a cocktail bar located inside the pool, with an eyelevel serving deck for easy access.

For those who prefer to only be voyeurs of the action in the water, there will be the undercover 30 Plus Valentines lounge area, including a bar and large dance floor. This event leaves no one with any excuses not to party, mingle or simply rock to the stylish music pumping through the kick-ass sound system.

Decor specialists have also been commissioned to decorate the various spaces indoor and outdoor with Valentine’s frills and special surprises to make everyone experience a full-sensory attack of Love!

The party already starts rocking at 12pm on Saturday 11 February. Various special pre-sale ticket packages are available, including limited VVIP tickets – which include accommodation at Central Lodge, a full buffet lunch, VIP access to the event, and complimentary champagne in the room as well as breakfast the morning after. There are rooms for couples as well as 2 four-sleepers; bookings for these 2 rooms will include access to luxurious “Love Hut” sunken koi pond-lounges, located next to the main pool on an elevated terrace.

For those who don’t want to stay over for the night, the event also offers VIP packages – which include lunch only. All pre-sale tickets are available for sale online via www.30plusevents.co.za.

30 PLUS Events presents VALENTINES CENTRAL SPLASH
Saturday 11 February 2012
Central Country Lodge,
31 Mulbarton Road
Lonehill
JHB
12:00 (noon) – 22:00 (10pm)
30+ Only
ROAR
For venue info/map & ticket details including the VIP lunch buffet-menu, go to www.30plusevents.co.za
Featuring:
LOCK N LOAD (NL – International Guest DJ)
SPEEDY
JAMES DAMIAN
JAKEE
COMMERCIAL HOOLIGANS

Pre-sale ticket prices via www.30plusevents.co.za:
General Access: R200

VIP: R300 (includes lunch 1-5pm)
VVIP (limited): R1500 pp (includes accommodation, lunch, breakfast and champagne)

There will also be various food stands with burgers, prego rolls, pizzas and rolls for sale – for those guests who don’t opt for the full buffet packages.

David Van Vuuren Signs Exclusive Management And Booking Deal With Southern Pulse

Sergio Pereira — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:43 +0000

Southern Pulse is proud to announce the exclusive signing of Idols 2011 winner, David Van Vuuren, for bookings and management in South Africa. David skyrocketed into the hearts of all South Africans after he won the prestigious nationwide competition which had over several million dedicated viewers in its broadcast.

Walking away the South African Idols winner of 2011 was not only a dream come true for Joburg bred David Van Vuuren, but the key to a universe he had been desperate to discover since he was a mere 5 years old. If it’s true that some people are born as messengers of some sort, then David Van Vuuren is not only a messenger of optimism, love, light and spirituality, but of music that takes you to that place in the blink of an eye.

A mere 21 years old, David Van Vuuren already knows what his calling is. A believer in the fact that you have to follow your heart and soul in order to be happy and to achieve inner peace, David immersed himself in music from an early age and has never given up on his dream. “I feel as human beings we should be following our souls and our hearts and because of the state of the world unfortunately it’s quite a struggle for many to do that”.

David Van Vuuren and his band promise to offer an electrifying and highly entertaining performance to everyone who comes out to watch them. David Van Vuuren will be touring the country non-stop in 2012, taking his music to all corners of South Africa. Tour dates will be announced soon but his first show with Southern Pulse will take place at Tanz Café, Fourways in Johannesburg on the 23rd of March 2012. Be sure to get there to witness the sheer brilliance of this talented artist who personifies hard work and integrity.

David Van Vuuren’s debut album entitled David Van Vuuren – Free The Animals is available in all leading retail and online outlets via Universal Records. Already the album is creating quite a buzz in the industry and will also be available at all live shows David performs.

BUY FREE THE ANIMALS HERE!

Noel Gallagher Announces New Single

Sergio Pereira — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:53:05 +0000

Noel Gallagher (Oasis) has revealed that his next single will be ‘Dream On’. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will release new single ‘Dream On’ on March 12. The B-side of the single will be ‘Shoot a Hole into the Sun’.

Listen to ‘Dream On’ below.