Summary

  • News updates for 8 December 2016

  • British singer and musician Greg Lake dies aged 69

  • Kardashians deny Kim and Kanye split rumours

  • Rag'n'Bone Man is Brits Critics’ Choice

  • Russell Crowe to face no charges over Azealia Banks assault claims

  1. Hello, Goodbyepublished at 15:34 GMT 8 December 2016

    That's it from us today, scroll down for tributes to the late singer and musician Greg Lake, plus tour news from Bob Dylan, Justin Bieber and Boy George and watch an immersive new video from Childish Gambino.

    As we said at the beginning of the day, its 36 years to the day since John Lennon was killed.

    As such, we'll leave you with this Unicef cover of one of his great compositions.

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video
  2. Jesus and Mary Chain detail release of first new music in 18 yearspublished at 15:23 GMT 8 December 2016

    Jim ReidImage source, Getty Images

    Seminal Scottish alt-shoegazers The Jesus and Mary Chain are to share their first new music in nearly 20 years.

    The band have announced a new album Damage and Joy, their first album since 1998’s Munki.

    It’s out on 24 March and the first track from the album, Amputation, will premiere on Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6 Music radio show from 16:00 GMT.

    We hope your speakers can handle feedback? Unless the East Kilbride boys have gone in a very different direction...

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
  3. Streaming helps Warner Music to 8-year profit highpublished at 15:02 GMT 8 December 2016

    Financial Times

    Bruno MarsImage source, AP

    Steaming services like Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music have helped Warner Music, home to artists like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, to its largest profits in 8 years.

    Its total revenue fo the past 12 months have reached $3.2bn.

    Warner has said streaming has become its largest source of revenue, surpassing sales of physical formats such as CDs and vinyl.

    Spotify reached 40m paying customers earlier this year, while Apple Music said, earlier this week, that it has reached 20m paid subscribers

    Read more, external.

  4. More tributes to prog rocker Greg Lakepublished at 14:44 GMT 8 December 2016

    Greg LakeImage source, PA

    More musicians have added their tributes to Greg Lake, former King Crimson singer and one third of Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

    He died on Wednesday at the age of 69 from cancer (scroll down for more).

    Star such as Rick Wakeman and former bandmate John Wetton have shared their thoughts, while Holly Johnson - fittingly for this time of year - reminds us of a classic Greg Lake Christmas tune.

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 2

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 2
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 3

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 3
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 4

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 4
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 5

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 5
  5. Bob Dylan announces 2017 UK tourpublished at 14:08 GMT 8 December 2016

    Bob DylanImage source, Getty Images

    He may have told the Nobel Prize board that he's too busy to pick up his award for literature in person on Saturday, but the legendary folk singer Bob Dylan clearly still has time to spare for the Great British public.

    That's after the 75-year-old announced a short tour of massive venues in England, Scotland and Wales for May 2017.

    He's written a speech to be delivered at the Nobel Prize ceremony at the weekend and fellow beat poet Patti Smith will cover his 1962 protest song A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall on the night in his stead.

    But Bob and the band do plan to be at the following venues on these shores next summer though with tickets going on sale from 10am on Tuesday.

    3 May - Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena

    4 May - Bournemouth, BIC

    5 May - Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena

    7 May - Glasgow, Clyde Audiotorium

    8 May - Liverpool, Echo Arena

    9 May - London, Wembley Arena

  6. Sia splits from her husbandpublished at 13:42 GMT 8 December 2016

    BBC Newsbeat

    Sia (right) and her husband Erik Anders Lang.Image source, Getty Images

    While things are apparently dandy in the Kimye camp (scroll down), Australian singer-songwriter Sia has split from her husband Erik Anders Lang, after two years of marriage.

    In a joint statement the pair have said they would be "dedicated to remaining friends." 

    In the past she has spoken about how he influenced her music and the pressures of having a public relationship.

    Read more

  7. Glass Animals strips back Life Itselfpublished at 13:22 GMT 8 December 2016

    Like you, we spent much of the summer months nodding our heads along to Glass Animals' brilliant disco-inspired Life Itself.

    Now, singer Dave Bayley has performed a stripped back version of the track for the Piano Sessions on Radio 1.

    Media caption,

    Glass Animals perform their summer smash "Life Itself" for the Radio 1 Piano Sessions.

    You can also check out their cover version of a Christmas classic.

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
  8. Justin Bieber tops most viewed listpublished at 13:01 GMT 8 December 2016

    Justin BieberImage source, AP

    Beliebers, you've got some time on your hands haven't you?

    Your idol Justin Bieber has three entries in Vevo's top 10 list for the most viewed videos this year worldwide, with five of the top ten gaining over a billion views worldwide.

    Topping the list is Bieber's Sorry which had seen a massive 1.8bn views when the list was sent out...but as you can see below it has now passed the 2bn mark.

    *Warning, third party content, may contain ads.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video

    Adele's comeback video for Hello has to settle for second having been viewed a mere 1.25bn times.

    Fifth Harmony's raunchy Work from Home is in third spot with 1,17bn and if you're going to add to the click count for that one please ensure there are no kids around.

    Justin's other entries are What Do You Mean? with just over a billion and Love Yourself with nearly 967m.

    In the UK alone, the list is topped by Justin's Sorry again (obvs) but also includes Mike Posner, Shawn Mendes and Zayn.

    Happy viewing.

  9. Boy George & Seal to be judges on The Voice Australiapublished at 12:41 GMT 8 December 2016

    Boy GeorgeImage source, Getty Images

    Now if any of you like 80s era pop culture and all things Aussie (I should be so lucky...) then this one is for you.

    British icons Boy George and Seal are to feature as judges on The Voice Australia next year, according to local channel Nine Network.

    The pair will apparently judge alongside former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem and an as-yet mystery fourth judge...hang on, didn't Tame Impala's Kevin Parker say they were taking a hiatus next year? Hmmmm.

    SealImage source, European Photopress Agenc

    As you may remember Georgie Boy has already appeared in The Voice hot seat on the UK version of the show, so he already knows the craic.

    He told Aussie TV: "I've been talking about doing this show for a few years.

    "They've approached me a number of times, but it just wasn't the right time, but having now done it in the UK I feel ready to go because I kind of understand now what the show is."

    George seems to be getting acclimatised to life down under already, as he's on tour there right now with his band Culture Club, who'll return to the UK for a gig at Wembley Arena on Wednesday.

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 2

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 2
  10. More Bowie birthday concerts announced for Sydney and Tokyopublished at 12:13 GMT 8 December 2016

    David BowieImage source, Getty Images

    Bowie news now.

    We already knew that a string of special birthday gigs were planned in for London, New York and LA on what would've been the Starman singer's 70th on 8 January next year.

    Now, Sydney and Tokyo have been added to that list as the world reflects on a year without him.

    Bowie died on 10 January this year, just two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album Blackstar (see the haunting video for his farewell tune Lazarus below)

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video

    Celebrating Bowie with Gary Oldman and Friends will see past members of his band perform "Bowie music, Bowie style" at the Brixton Academy in London, followed a series of other events in cities around the globe.

    Here's those dates in full in case you're needing an excuse to jet off and beat the January Blues Bowie-stylee.

    8 Jan - London, Brixton Academy

    10 Jan - New York, Terminal 5 

    25 Jan - Los Angeles, The Wiltern 

    29 Jan - Sydney, Opera House

    2 Feb - Tokyo, Dome City Hall

    But don't feel Under Pressure to attend any of these. If like most of us you'll end up skint by the start of January then fear not, as you can simply settle in with Bowie season on the BBC instead.

  11. British singer and musician Greg Lake dies aged 69published at 11:53 GMT 8 December 2016

    Emerson, Lake (centre) and PalmerImage source, Getty Images

    Greg Lake, the bassist and singer with King Crimson and latterly the prog-rock supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer has died at the age of 69.

    A statement on his official website, external, made by friend Stewart Young said: "Yesterday... I lost my friend to a long and stubborn battle with cancer.

    "Greg Lake will stay in my heart forever, as he always has been." 

    The band formed in London in 1970 and were one of the most popular and commercially successful prog-rock bands of the era.

    Keyboardist Keith Emerson died in March of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 2

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 2
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 3

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 3

    Here he is singing on of of his biggest hits - a fitting festive tribute.

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video
  12. Childish Gambino shares freaky 360° video for Me and Your Mamapublished at 11:46 GMT 8 December 2016

    Childish Gambino aka super-talented actor, writer, rapper and producer Donald Glover has shared a live360° VR performance of Me and Your Mama, the opening track to his critically-lauded new album Awaken, My Love! 

    If you've got a VR headset, then this will feel like you're in the front row. If not, you can still navigate a 360 degree view around the space.

    The performance was recorded at a Joshua Tree concert in September, but this is just like being there...and cheaper than a flight to California.

    *Warning, third party content, may contain ads.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video
  13. Madonna twerks and admits she kissed Michael Jackson in Carpool Karaokepublished at 11:06 GMT 8 December 2016

    Madonna has admitted, we think for the first time, that she once had a game of tonsil hockey with Michael Jackson.

    The singer is the latest star to take a car journey with James Corden for Carpool Karaoke.

    In amidst some rousing performances of songs like Vogue, Papa Don't Preach and Express Yourself, she admitted she snogged the king of of pop after getting him drunk(ish), her kids love her new stuff and she ain't no fan of red flannel shirts.

    Oh, and she doesn't wear a seat belt. Tsk tsk....

    Warning: Third party content, may contain ads.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video
  14. Charlotte Church fronts homeless Christmas documentary on iPlayerpublished at 10:35 GMT 8 December 2016

    Charlotte ChurchImage source, PA

    Former child prodigy singer-turned-campaigner for social justice Charlotte Church will appear in a new Christmas documentary, encouraging people to do more to help the homeless around the festive season.

    No fixed abode will be available on the BBC iPlayer later today and sees the Welsh singer visit organisations using music to support people living on the streets of her hometown Cardiff.

    She tells viewers: "It's quite easy sometimes to see someone on the street and judge them, maybe feel superior and blame it on issues of drug abuse. 

     "But a lot of these people have been failed by the system far further along the line.

    Quote Message

    That's something, as a society, we need to look at, to help people earlier so they don't fall into the vicious cycle of homelessness."

    Read more and view the programme later here.

  15. Russell Crowe to face no charges over Azealia Banks assault claimspublished at 10:09 GMT 8 December 2016

    Russell CroweImage source, Getty Images

    A court in LA has confirmed that Hollywood actor and amateur rockstar, external Russel Crowe will face no charges over claims that he assaulted rapper Azealia Banks in a hotel room.

    Banks reported the Oscar-winner to police after she claimed he grabbed her by the neck, used a racial slur and spat on her hand when he threw her out of a party in his room at the Beverly Hills hotel on 16 October.

    Azealia BanksImage source, AP

    However, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said it would not be seeking to prosecute Crowe as witnesses described "Banks, not Crowe, as the assaultive party", alleging the 25-year-old repeatedly used a racial epithet, was verbally aggressive to party attendees and threatened to break a glass to cut the throat of a female guest and/or Crowe. 

    Banks admits making insulting statements to Crowe prior to being escorted out.

    She was invited to the event by Wu-Tang Clan rapper and producer RZA who wrote a lengthy Facebook pos, externalt in which he said he saw Banks "behave as an obnoxious erratic individual". 

    Lets hope this finally puts an end to that whole sorry affair.

  16. Kardashians deny Kim and Kanye split rumourspublished at 09:44 GMT 8 December 2016

    The world was woken up this morning with rumours and reports that Hollywood power couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian - or Kimye to gossip hounds - were on the verge of divorcing.

    They married two years ago and have two children but have had a hard time of it recently after Kim was robbed of millions of dollars of jewellery at gunpoint in Paris and Kanye has been spending time in hospital, reportedly being treated for stress and exhaustion.

    Fortunately, her family TV show's official Twitter account has cleared things up...

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
  17. Rag'n'Bone Man is Brits Critics’ Choicepublished at 09:24 GMT 8 December 2016

    Rag N Bone Man with his Brits trophyImage source, John Marshall
    Image caption,

    The singer wins a trophy designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid

    Imposing bluesman and BBC Sound of 2017 nominee Rag N Bone Man's new year is getting off to a cracking start early, after he was named winner of the Brits Critics' Choice Award.

    The Brighton musician, whose real name Rory Graham, beat two other newcomers, Anne-Marie and Dua Lipa - a BBC Sound of 2016 finalist - to the prize.

    His victory comes a week after he entered the charts for the first time with his touching soul ballad Human.

    This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    Skip youtube video

    Allow YouTube content?

    This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
    End of youtube video

    "I thought they had made a mistake," said the singer. "I was up against two pop giants. I'm crazy happy. Proper massive grin."

    Last year's winner was Jack Garratt. Well in Bone Man.

    Read more

    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 2

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 2
    This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip X post 3

    Allow X content?

    This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    End of X post 3
  18. Just like starting overpublished at 09:01 GMT 8 December 2016

    John LennonImage source, Getty Images

    Morning all. Hope you find yourselves well, as we kick-off for another day on this, the 36th anniversary of John Lennon's death.

    John loved music and news didn't he, so we'll honour the late, great Beatle today in the only way we know how: pure unadulterated rolling music news throughout the day.

    And cake. Maybe some cake.

    We'll tell you who won the Brits Critics Choice award and bring you up-to-date on Charlotte Church's new Christmas programme about homelessness. Plus the latest on actor Russell Crowe's dispute with Azealia Banks and much much more. 

    For now check out yesterday's MNL as Christine and the Queens discusses her pansexuality, the inquest into car crash which killed Warrington band Viola Beach and Paloma has Faith (sorry) in the NHS after giving birth.

    Plus which is your favourite on the BBC Music Awards Song of the Year list?