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Cliff Richard returns to UK to face police questions about assault claims As previously reported, the popstar's property in Berkshire was searched by police earlier this month following claims regarding a sexual assault of a boy under the age of sixteen at a Christian faith rally in 1985. The singer quickly denied the claims, saying that they are "completely false", while adding that he would "co-operate fully" with the police investigation. To that end Richard returned to the UK this weekend to be interviewed under caution by South Yorkshire Police. It's thought the singer first met with his legal team before reporting to a pre-agreed police station. He was not arrested and no charges were made. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police gave a typically ambiguous statement to reporters, confirming they had spoken to a "73 year old man" and that "the man was interviewed under caution but was not arrested. He entered South Yorkshire Police premises by arrangement". Meanwhile a spokesman for the singer himself told the BBC: "Today Sir Cliff Richard voluntarily met with and was interviewed by members of South Yorkshire Police. He was not arrested or charged. He co-operated fully with officers and answered the questions put to him. Other than restating that this allegation is completely false and that he will continue to co-operate fully with the police, it would not be appropriate for Sir Cliff to say anything further at this time". | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sony's entertainment network forced offline by DDoS attack, possibly by ISIS supporters Sony's PlayStation and Entertainment Network, which includes the firm's streaming music service, went offline this weekend after a DDoS attack swamped the company's servers. Though unlike the infamous attack on Sony's networks in 2011, this time no data was grabbed during the DDoS. The source of the server attack is not certain, though a Twitter feed using the handle @LizardSquad claimed responsibility. Initially the Twitter account said the attack had been instigated because Sony wasn't spending enough of the income generated from the PlayStation Network on enhancing the service. But then it later tweeted "today we planted the ISIS flag on @Sony's servers", alongside a photo of a man carrying the flag of the Islamic State movement (known until recently as the Islamic State Of Iraq And Syria, aka ISIS). The DDoS coincided with drama in the US after a plane carrying the President of Sony Online Entertainment, John Smedley, was diverted after bomb threats were made online, including on the @LizardSquad Twitter feed. American Airlines Flight 362, flying from Dallas to San Diego, was redirected to Phoenix as a result of the bomb threat. Smedley later tweeted: "Yes. My plane was diverted. Not going to discuss more than that. Justice will find these guys". It's hard to know whether @LizardSquad really does represent the group behind this weekend's DDoS attacks; Microsoft's Xbox network was also reportedly targeted. It's also not clear whether the feed really does have any formal or informal links to ISIS. Though the online manifestations of the current conflict in Iraq and Syria have been notable of course, both those that have been shocking, and those that are more mundane. With that in mind the now defunct post-metal band also called ISIS have been forced to rename their Facebook profile to Isis The Band, after some confused web surfers started posting angry messages on it. The band split in 2010, but kept the Facebook profile to update fans on band members' other projects. The outfit's former drummer Aaron Harris, speaking to ABC News about people getting his ex-band confused with the ISIS that is dominating headlines this year, said: "It certainly caught us off guard. Fans have emailed us that they're reluctant to wear our t-shirts now and we've also gotten some off-colour comments". -------------------------------------------------- Suge Knight shot at pre-VMAs party While Knight has been involved in violent altercations in the past, there was early speculation that the Death Row Records founder had been caught in the cross-fire, and that another party-goer - maybe even the event's host Chris Brown - had actually been the target. But investigators say footage from inside the club venue where the party was taking place suggest the shooter was indeed targeting Knight. His family issued a statement yesterday that read: "The family of Suge Knight asks that you keep Suge in your prayers and to stray away from the negativity portrayed by the media. Suge is currently resting and has lost a lot of blood, he's human. He's done a lot of things for the community and the culture as a whole so we ask that you respect that | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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US indie stores back global street day, but not Friday As previously reported, the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry recently confirmed moves are afoot for the record industry worldwide to adopt the same day of the week for releasing new records, making online marketing easier. It's not a controversial proposal in principle - most people agree with the logic of new releases going online on the same day worldwide - but the big question is "which day?". The IFPI said that "positive dialogue with organisations representing artists, chart compilers, digital services, independent record labels and physical format retailers" had honed in on Friday as the preferred day, though a few such organisations around the world responding with a "who said what about what now?" To be fair, while the Department Of Record Stores is pushing for the US release day of Tuesday to be adopted around the world, it is willing to be a bit flexible. Just not as far as Friday. According to Billboard, the group said in an email: "The worldwide change should be made in a positive way and it should be done to maximise opportunities to increase sales for all retail partners. Tuesday would be the least disruptive because North America and the UK are the world's largest markets for music, and the Tuesday street date used by Canada and the US would mean that only the UK would need to move up its street date" (which is currently Monday). Wednesday might be workable, the DRS added, but "Friday is the worst choice for a worldwide street date, because it will require costly changes and would lead to less sales". So there you go. The IFPI hopes that a global street day could go live as soon as next summer. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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ReverbNation ends Dizzyjam alliance The partnership manifested itself as the Reverb Store, which will now be taken offline, with the D2F company instead endorsing another merch firm, Merchoutfitters, which only offers bulk-print services. Said ReverbNation to Music Week: "The truth is there weren't a lot of people actively using the Reverb Store, and we want to spend more time building things that artists love. Merchoutfitters is a great option for bulk ordering, and we recommend you check them out and use the discount". Dizzyjam remained upbeat despite the move by ReverbNation, saying it's former partner "is a brilliant service, and it's a shame they've had to make this decision, but it just shows how tough the music merch scene is - but this only strengthens our commitment to work hard here at Dizzyjam to serve the independent music sector". | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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SpinMedia announces latest CEO In a press statement, Blackwell said: "I am thrilled to lead SpinMedia into an exciting new era. Our audience is young, vibrant and fully engaged in all forms of media and our brands, scale and digital assets have perfectly positioned Spin to capture the benefits of mobile and social growth across the web. Dale built an exceptionally strong and talented team - he will continue to be a valuable resource in our evolution". And evolution is what the company will be hoping Presswell will bring. The founder of the Death And Taxes website, he is SpinMedia's fourth CEO in two years and joins following a restructuring at the company earlier this year designed to pay off debts. But that's all behind them now, Blackwell insisted in an interview with Capital, saying: "When I first got to Spin, and I started talking to everybody about [how] we've got an incredible brand here and a lot of opportunity for growth, I saw nothing but upside. I started expressing my vision on how we could help the brand grow, and that's kind of when the conversation started about, well how does the CEO position look to you?" He added: "The board is committed to a long-term strategy with SpinMedia. They see tremendous value in the brands and the people inside the walls of this company". Well, let's hope so. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Two Prince albums incoming The albums will be released by Warner Music, with whom Prince recently made up. The major's boss Cameron Strang told reporters: "Prince is one of just a handful of visionary artists who have truly reshaped and redefined modern music and culture. For the past 35 years, he has never stopped evolving, challenging himself, reinventing his sound, and pushing boundaries". He went on: "In true Prince fashion, he has just given us not one, but two extraordinary albums that express the incredible range and depth of his talent. All of us at WBR are immensely proud to be working with Prince to bring this brilliant new music to his legions of fans around the world, and needless to say we are thrilled to be working in partnership with him again". Jessie J reveals her sweet-talking new LP And BOOOOOOOOOOM, pop vocalist Jessie J has confirmed 'lift-off' on her third LP, revealing its title ('Sweet Talker') and release date (13 Oct). And BOOM (again), the "slick" and "kick-ass" disc showcases both J's "phenomenal vocal range" and her "divisibility" as one of the pop world's main power-players. I think that 'divisibility' bit means she is a popstar of many parts. Anyway 'Sweet Talker' features the rapper 2 Chainz, the popstars Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj (who both joined with J in LA to sing their and her collaborative single 'Bang Bang' at the MTV VMAs over the weekend), hip hop trio De La Soul, and also hip viral violinist Lindsey Stirling on the auspiciously-titled LP track 'Loud'. So that's that basically, all the info one could want. Now take in the official 'Sweet Talker' tracklist, high-waisted-pants-tastic cover 'art', and a nice lyric clip for 'Bang Bang': Ain't Been Done | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Morrissey tour, O2 date Well, yes, it is true to you. In that, that's what usually reliable Morrissey fan site truetoyou.net is saying. Further fall outs with the big band music business machine and the poor health gods permitting, presumably. -------------------------------------------------- All Time Low and You Me At Six are going to tour the UK's arenas together Showing off his noted skill for using words to communicate with people, All Time Low frontman Alex Gaskarth said: "We've never managed to hit up the UK with the hometown boys in You Me At Six, so this is going to be a really amazing experience. I think the fanbases will come together and make the shows unforgettable". You Me At Six's vocaliser Josh Franceschi disagrees though. No, not really, he said this: "We can't wait to hit the road with All Time Low. It's the tour we know our fans want, and we are so excited to be doing a full arena tour". Here are the dates: 9 Feb: Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena -------------------------------------------------- Rinse lists live and on-air genre hijacks The first of the FWD>> branded parties, which is this Thursday 28 Aug, is given over to jungle, and will feature Uncle Dugs, Brockie, Jumpin Jack Frost and DJ Ron. You have to sign up for admission to the free-entry FWD>> events first, so do that, and look at all the live listings in one place, via rinse20.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cyrus champions homeless cause at VMAs I know, bring a homeless guy along as your date, have him accept your award, and turn the whole thing into a promotion for a worthy homeless charity! Go, Miley Cyrus. Accepting the popstar's gong for Best Video (for some reason presented for her 'Wrecking Ball' promo), Cyrus's friend said: "Thank y'all, my name is Jesse and I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States who are starving, lost and scared for their lives right now. I know this because I am one of these people". He went on: "Though I may have been invisible to you in the streets, I have a lot of the same dreams that brought many of you here tonight. Los Angeles, entertainment capital, has the largest population of homeless youth in America. The music industry will make over $7 billion this year, and outside these doors are 54,000 human beings who have no place to call home". Shortly after the speech Cyrus posted on her Facebook details of a new LA homeless centre, encouraging fans to donate. So that's all nice isn't it? And even better, she didn't stick out her tongue once. Not once. Not even when Beyonce picked up her fourth award. Talking of which, VMA winners... Video Of The Year: Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball Pop Video: Ariana Grande Feat. Iggy Azalea - Problem Cinematography: Beyonce - Pretty Hurts Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Beyonce | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Parfitt had second heart attack, and he's glad about it As previously reported, Status Quo recently had to cancel some shows after Parfitt was taken ill in Croatia. He was flown back to the UK for heart surgery, and has now confirmed that his medical emergency was the result of a heart attack, his second. The rocker previously had a quadruple heart bypass in 1997, but he admits he didn't alter his heavy boozing, heavy smoking lifestyle. Until now. He's told the Daily Mail: "I've had 50 years of smoking and drinking and abusing my body. There comes a time when you have to look at yourself and think, 'Right, that's it, it's now time for a change'. All my life I've defied the doctor's orders, thinking that I'm made of steel. As stupid as this may sound, I'm pleased I've had this heart attack because I couldn't see a way out of my bad habits". He's now gone three weeks without drink and fags, which, he says, is a real achievement for him. "There are so many advantages I never realised to being sober," he added. "When I wake up in the morning I want to get up and get the day going and I can't tell you how much better I feel. I'm going to enjoy my life so much more now. I'm ready to rock, I can't wait". | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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