| CMU Daily - on the inside 25 Nov 2003 |
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In today's CMU Daily:
- Warner sell to Bronfman
- Benzino Eminem feud continues
- Duran Duran to win contribution Brit
- Durst injured on stage
- Single Review: Ilya - Soleil Soleil Ep
- Sara Cox tipped for next celeb wife swap
- EMI plan 'Queer Eye' compilation
- Live Review: The Coral At Brixton Academy
- Jackson sets up website to defend himself
- Air announce tour
- Ross two to compete with Ross one on Saturday radio
- Pop Idol shenanigans
- Alex Parks hits out at Beeb
- Dizzee to support Justin
- Live Review: ? at, erm, Somewhere In Hackney
- Haven return
- Rachel Stevens gets her whips confiscated
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WARNER SELL TO BRONFMAN
One less major label merger to worry about this morning. EMI yesterday bailed out of the running to acquire Warner's music division, just in time for Time Warner to go with the takeover offer from that consortium led by former Universal boss Edgar Bronfman Jr. Bronfman's consortium will now acquire both Warner's recording and music publishing businesses in return for a $2.6 billion payment. Should they wish, Time Warner will have the option to buy back a 15% stake in the company after three years at 75% of the assessed market value.
Confirming the deal Bronfman told reporters: "Warner Music Group is one of the world's greatest recorded music and music publishing companies, and we have great faith in its potential for growth as an independent company and in the long-term opportunities of this industry. We have brought together a highly sophisticated and well-financed group of investors to support the business. I personally look forward to working with Roger Ames and his outstanding management team to build on Warner Music's strengths".
Time Warner Chairman Dick Parsons added: "I'm very pleased that we are putting our music company in such capable hands. Despite my personal fondness for the music business as well as for all of our wonderful managers and music group employees, I believe that this transaction is clearly in the best interests of our company's shareholders. Not only will it greatly enhance our financial flexibility, it also will enable us to pursue higher growth opportunities in our other lines of business. At the same time, we expect to continue to work closely with Warner Music, and we are happy to have the option to participate in the music industry's eventual recovery. We thank Roger Ames for his superb leadership of the Warner Music Group over the past four years, and offer him and all of our music colleagues our best wishes."
For Ames part, he told reporters: "I have every confidence that Warner Music will thrive under Edgar's leadership. His passion for the music business is clear, and his understanding of the creative process will be enormously important. It's an exciting chance to return to the independent roots that the music industry was built upon with what will be one of the world's largest independent music companies. These factors, along with the solid foundation we've built at the Music Group, mean we're very well positioned to take advantage of the technological advances that are spurring the industry's next phase of growth. I look forward to working with Edgar, as we strive to master the challenges our industry is facing."
Earlier EMI boss Eric Nicoli confirmed his company was bailing out of the race: "We have concluded that it is no longer possible to reach an agreement on terms which would be acceptable to both parties and in the interests of EMI's shareholders." What this means for EMI is unclear. If the BMG Sony deal goes ahead the London label will be in the tricky position of competing against two much bigger majors (Universal as is, Sony BMG merged) and a recently re-energised Warner Music. Most in the City think EMI will need to be similarly re-energised if it is to survive - leading to speculation it too will be subject to a Bronfman style takeover. US equity firm Blackstone are still said to be interested - though that would mean the only UK-based major would essentially become American.Meanwhile, over at Warners, employees and artists will be waiting to see what effect the takeover has. As Bronfman pointed out, Warners, like EMI, is now technically speaking an independent - ie not owned by a major entertainments conglom.
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BENZINO EMINEM FEUD CONTINUES
More Benzino / Eminem feuding over the weekend - after the former last week released a recording of the latter as a teenager performing a racist rap. Firstly a new anti-Benzino rap, performed by Eminem, appeared on the internet over the weekend. The track, called 'Bully', says of the rival rapper and Source magazine founder: "And it's destroying him slowly/ 'Cause he does not even know me/ Even though he sees me everywhere he goes/ So he tortures himself/ He has no fortune and wealth/ So he extorts someone else to get his dough."
Despite its timely arrival, Eminem's people say the rap was actually made six months ago during a period when Mathers and Benzino were regularly bouncing back critical raps against each other as their long-running feud went public. Eminem's people say they weren't responsible for leaking the rap - suggesting its appearance online this weekend may have been down to a defensive fan who acquired the track when it was originally recorded earlier this year.
Meanwhile Benzino has resigned from the board of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network after its founder spoke out in defense of Eminem. The Network's Russell Simmons admitted Eminem's racist rap was "regrettable" but said he accepted Slim Shady's "sincere and forthright" apology. Announcing his resignation, Benzino said Simmon's opinion was not impartial because his commercial interests were affiliated to the Universal Music Group, as is Eminem's Shady Records.
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DURAN DURAN TO WIN CONTRIBUTION BRIT
Duran Duran will receive the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Brits next February, which means we can expect a mini-greatest hits performance at the event from the recently reformed original line up. Announcing the award Brits committee chairman Peter Jamieson said: "Whilst this award recognises past achievements which are much deserved, I am just as excited about the band's vibrancy today which augurs well for continuing success."
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DURST INJURED ON STAGE
Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst had to have seven stitches on his face after an unidentified object was thrown from the crowd at a gig in New York. Durst was performing at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom on the ninth date of their co-headline tour with Korn on Friday night. The singer climbed up to a first-level mezzanine while performing new track 'Eat You Alive'. While up there something was thrown from the audience that hit him in the face.Although he continued to perform the two remaining songs of the set, by the time Durst left the stage he was bleeding profusely. A private physician was called in to deal with the wound, and he administered the seven stitches. The injury isn't expected to affect any future dates of the band's tour, which continues until the end of this week.
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SINGLE REVIEW: Ilya - Soleil Soleil EP (Virgin)
Ilya attempt to evoke the moody atmosphere of a smoky European basement, with Sade and Beth Gibbons in the audience. Not a bad idea, and judging by the minimalist, tasteful ads, their record company thinks so too. But for me, the Portishead-bitterness and the rainfall sound effects over-emphasize Ilya's sense of their own poignancy. And is that a Massive Attack sample on the last track? RN
Release Date: 17 Nov
Press Contact: Virgin IH [CP, CR, RR, NR] APB [RP, NP]
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SARA COX TIPPED FOR NEXT CELEB WIFE SWAP
According to the Sun Channel 4 are lining up Radio 1's Sara Cox to take part in another edition of Celebrity Wife Swap. The show's makers are keen to make more celebrity editions after the success of the recent programme involving Big Brother's Jade Goody and Millionaire cheat Charles Ingram - which drew 6 million viewers. Word is Cox would be partnered with Shaun Williamson, who plays Barry Evans in Eastenders. No word yet if Cox's bubby Jon Carter will also take part.
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EMI PLAN 'QUEER EYE' COMPILATION
EMI's US label Capitol are hoping to cash in on the huge success of reality show 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' in the States by releasing an album of music that has appeared on the programme. Called 'What's That Sound' the album will feature the show's theme song 'All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)' penned by Widelife which is likely to get a single release in the new year. Also lined up to appear are new songs from Elton John (working title 'Run for Love') and Basement Jaxx ('Good Luck'), a previously unreleased Chemical Brothers remix of Kylie's 'Slow' and a track mixing music from Fischerspooner and Billy Squier. Rob Eric of the company who make the TV show told reporters: "As we have been able to introduce better taste and sensibilities in living to prime time television, we will be able to introduce great music to a new audience."
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LIVE REVIEW: The Coral at Brixton Academy on 21 Nov
James Skelly saunters on stage, trilby and all, greeted by a crowd as eclectic as The Coral's musical references. Opening with the staple 'Bill McCai', you get the feeling they made the right decision as a gentle sway immediately envelopes the Brixton herd. But as the track fades, while you can't help admiring a band that dives so strongly into a set, at the same time you can't help worrying where it's all going to end up ... and what the scally sitting stage right is up to? Moving on at a pace through 'Talkin Gypsy' and 'Market Blues' the set takes on a proficient but not particularly emotive tone. Although James does his best to sparkle, lack lustre is thickly applied to his counterparts. You can't deny the musicianship of these guys, sonically sounding every bit as good as their records, but, with the possible exception of James, you can't help they are all feeling a little lost by it all. Despite that, the songs do speak for themselves and my initial worries as to the strength of their set are forgotten with this Spring's hit 'Don't Think You're The First' and the ever anthemic 'Pass It On' which move things along nicely. Finishing with a climatic rendition of 'Dreaming Of You' we finally see the rest of the band uproot and move at least an inch to their left. James joins his brother Ian on drums as our scally, stage right, relieves our curiosity - proceeding to gallop round stage, knees high, Ska fashion to the delight of the Brixton crowd. The boys stroll off stage as idly as they came on, summing up a tidy and agreeable, but not necessary inspiring, hour of pop melancholy. BP
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JACKSON SETS UP WEBSITE TO DEFEND HIMSELF
Michael Jackson has launched a new website to act as an "official communications source" during the up coming court case over those child abuse claims. The site launched yesterday at http://www.mjnews.us with a six paragraph statement from Jackson refuting all allegations.Among other things, he writes: "As you know, the charges recently directed at me are terribly serious. They are, however, predicated on a big lie. This will be shown in court, and we will be able to put this horrible time behind us."Although little is likely to happen now until the court case begins in January (unless, of course, fresh allegations are made) Jackson's immediate fight will be to keep custody of his own three children. Some in the anti-Jackson camp are calling on local authorities to take the children into care.
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AIR ANNOUNCE TOURAir will tour the UK and Ireland in February to promote third studio album'Talkie Walkie'. Dates as follows:
9 Feb: Brighton Dome
10 Feb: Birmingham Academy
11 Feb: Nottingham Rock City
13 Feb: Manchester Apollo
14 Feb: Glasgow Academy
15 Feb: Dublin Olympia
17 Feb: Cambridge Corn Exchange
18 Feb: London, Brixton Academy
19 Feb: Southampton Guildhall
The first single from the new album will be 'Cherry Blossom Girl', released on 12 Jan.
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ROSS TWO TO COMPETE WITH ROSS ONE ON SATURDAY RADIO
There will be two Rosses on the radio on a Saturday morning come the New Year. Chrysalis' LBC have hired Paul Ross to host their Saturday morning show - putting him head to head with brother Jonathan, who presents his award winning Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 2. Paul Ross - who frequently fills the role of 'the really annoying one' on Sky's numerous clip shows - will be giving us "his unique slant on the week's news". Which makes Jonathan's show sound even more inviting.
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POP IDOL SHENANIGANS
Shenanigans galore down at Pop Idol towers - mainly revolving around the prospects of the shows 'larger finalist' Michelle McManus. Clearly the best singer left on the show Michelle seems to be building a fanbase among the Pop Idol faithful, putting her in the running to actually win the show. Her most high profile fan is Simon Cowell who says he is bored of stars with the same image hailing McManus as "a breath of fresh air".
But others on the show don't agree. Fellow finalist Susanne Manning reportedly described Michelle as a "fat cow", while Pete Waterman has said he is willing to bet a million that Michelle will be an unknown within a year (which probably means she will be the biggest star to ever come out of a reality show).Meanwhile the fat one from Pop Idol 1 - Rik Waller - has spoken out in favour of Michelle. He told reporters: "It's simply not fair to pick up on things like weight. I've seen the new show, and in singing terms Michelle squashes Susanne to a pulp. I want Michelle to win because she's not your average pop star, but she's definitely got what it takes and the industry definitely needs something different because it is the same thing over and over again. So I think Michelle will be the one to break the mould."
All that said, if Michelle does win, rival Susanne Manning and current favourite-to-win Sam Nixon needn't worry. Word is they are both about to be offered management deals by 19 Management. Roxanne, who was voted off the show at the weekend, is also already on 19's roster.
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ALEX PARKS HITS OUT AT BEEB
While recognising the career boost Fame Academy has provided, Alex Parks reckons the BBC is making too many demands. Talking to the Daily Telegraph about rumours the Beeb wanted to film her enjoying the luxury lifestyle she won from the show she said: "They did not ultimately put me where I am and they do not have the ownership of me they seem to assume. They want me to say 'Oh, I am so thankful for everything you have given me, where you have put me, ra, ra, ra.' But they need to understand that I am not inside the four walls of the Academy now. All I wanted from Fame Academy was a launch into the music industry. I couldn't give a toss about the flat and the car. Or the champagne, which is still in the fridge. I hate the stuff."
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DIZZEE TO SUPPORT JUSTIN
Mercury Music Prize winning Dizzee Rascal has been booked to support Justin Timberlake on his UK tour next month, dates as follows:
1-3 Dec: Birmingham NIA
5-8 Dec: London Earl's Court
10-12 Dec: Manchester Evening News Arena
14-15 Dec: Sheffield Arena
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LIVE REVIEW: ? at, erm, somewhere in Hackney on 23 Nov
Charlie said that Jamie would be there in a sec, and that I should come to this "electro thing". We drove to Hackney and found ourselves in a street off a street off the main street looking for number 45. We were a little on the late side and wondered if it wasn't finished. We heard some noises coming from an old warehouse/factory block. We rang the bell and were let in. The factory was an 'art' studio, with paint brushes and empty bottles of Beaujolais everywhere. In a nearly empty studio with large phrases and disparate words daubed on the walls, knelt a man in an embroidered rabbit sweater, and a balding man dressed as Timmy Mallet. Lit only by a single bulb from a standard lamp, the pair screamed and grunted onomatopoeia, and thrashed toy guitars and melodicas through layers and layers of distortion and other assorted effects. I grinned as I listened to the cacophony - "their mothers would be proud". It seemed that we had arrived only in time to catch the end of Anders and his friends' set as Frozen Turkey. As the two collapsed and the reverberating noise disappeared into the constant buzz of feedback, the twenty or so audience members clapped hesitantly; looking around at everyone else suspiciously. Next was a tall man with a Rickenbacker, and Frank Zappa's doppelganger with a Gibson SG. The ensuing soundclash sounded like free blues. Much of the loose improvisation was ear-splitting dischord with clashes in timing, key and note. With a cymbal rattling around inside a horizontal speaker and pummeling away at the strings with a CD case, the racket was nearly unbearable, though somehow still fascinating; both guitarists were clearly technically proficient. There were some very strange people at this 'event'. And it appears that despite avidly inquiring, no one could (or maybe would) tell me where I was, who these people were, and what it was all about. Whoever these people are, they make Warp Records and the Leaf Label look like establishment squares. When my questions are answered, you'll all be the first to know. DB
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HAVEN RETURN
Haven's delayed new album will hits stores on 22 Mar via Virgin imprint Radiate. An as yet to be confirmed single will be released on 8 Mar. All this will be preceded with a few live dates as follows:
24 Jan: Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
25 Jan: Manchester Night & Day Café
26 Jan: London ULU
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RACHEL STEVENS GETS HER WHIPS CONFISCATED
Former S Clubber Rachel Stevens had six leather whips seized from her bag at Heathrow airport as she travelled up North to appear at the Royal Variety Performance in Edinburgh. Security officials were concerned the whips might be used as weapons on the flight. The singer assured the Sun the whips were props for her raunchy stage set, adding: "It's funny. What did they imagine?"