Smile, we're over the hump of the working week now.

That's it for Wednesday. Scroll down for some closure from New Order, fighting talk from Pharrell and plenty of Foos news, as well as details of the big 1Xtra gig in Manchester and much, much more, as always.

Here's a lovely sentiment and a stonking tune from George Ezra (above) to play us out today. He was in for Live Lounge month, where artists have been allowed off the Radio 1 playlist leash to select a cover of any song from the past 50 years, to celebrate half a century of the station.

Try not to sing/whistle/tap along. It's not physically possible.

Laters.

Image source, EPA

The Foo Fighters have issued a response to the story from earlier about 'hundreds' of fans who were turned away from the O2 in London (scroll down).

A statement reads:

Foo Fighters, SJM and the O2 are frustrated and saddened that despite their best efforts tickets for last night’s show at the O2 fell into the hands of unscrupulous secondary ticket agencies.

Unfortunately, this meant a small number of fans purchasing bogus tickets from these unscrupulous outlets did not get into the sold out show.

SJM said: Fans that bought tickets through our official box offices had to agree that they were buying named tickets prior to purchase. This was not a ‘last minute’ decision but was clear from the outset.

As event organizers of last night’s concert, we implemented a policy from onsale to limit secondary reselling of tickets. The only official outlets were the venue box office and SEE Tickets and all purchasers were clearly informed that ID checks would be in place on entry.

The 02 said: “Some ticket holders who arrived without ID or who had bought through secondary sites were unfortunately left disappointed.

Foo Fighters the 02, and SJM strongly advise and sincerely hope that in the future ALL fans buy tickets only from legitimate sites to ensure they are not defrauded out of their hard earned money.

A new animated video has been released to Leonard Cohen's haunting ballad Leaving the Table.

The song appeared on his final album, You Want it Darker released just weeks before his death, at the age of 82 last November.

The video was shown during the 2017 Polaris Prize in Canada, which - as we reported yesterday - was won by Lido Pimienta.

On 7 November, artists including Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, Sting and more will pay tribute to the singer at Montreal's Bell Center.

Here's that interview we promised you earlier, with Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters talking to Colin Paterson for BBC Breakfast.

Watch above as Dave discusses the band's new album (which is currently on course for this week's number one), Donald Trump, their friendship with Prince Harry and how he plans on dealing with potential suitors for his teenage daughter.

If that's you, then there's some good news and some bad news...

BBC Radio 1

The 30-year-old singer was in the Radio 1 studios last night chatting to Annie Mac about her new track

The "relaxed/happy vibe" song Starlight "reflects where I am in life", Emeli told Annie.

Listen for yourself to the house/soul infused number above.

And what's more, Sande fans, is that Emeli promises that there's a new album on the way next year.

Image source, PA

Okay for those of you who are still reading...

The Dutch contemporary dance company Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) are to perform a new ballet inspired by the music of Oxfordshire's finest.

Proof, which will tour around Holland from Friday until just before Christmas has been choreographed by lifelong Radiohead nut Edward Clug as NME report., external

Edward posted, external on the company's Facebook page, saying: “Radiohead is more than just my favourite band; they are the soundtrack to my other side; listening to them feels like I’m finding a self that I haven’t met yet.”

Check it out below.

Rumours that the company are planning a follow-up Kaiser Chiefs ballet are apparently unfounded.

BBC 6 Music

Iconic rock star Joan Jett has provided the narration to a new live music and theatre show telling the tale of the history of the genre through the life and influence of three iconic guitars.

The show, called Seven Decades Live is at Clapham's Grand Theatre in south London from 10-12 October.

A 7-piece band, led by frontman Mike Ross, tell the story of music's history through the Gibson Les Paul, the Fender Stratocaster and the Fender Telecaster.

The band will perform work from some of music's legends including The Clash, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles.

Joan spoke to 6 Music about the project and the importance of her own guitar

"I see it as an extension of my own voice," she told Elizabeth Alker above.

Image source, Twitter/Paul Honey

So those inside London's O2 Arena last night saw plenty of Foos bangers and a bit of bonus Rick Astley (scroll down).

However, hundreds of fans were apparently left 'gutted' after being turned away due to confusion surrounding the venue's ticket policy.

Some people claimed they weren't allowed in because they didn't have ID which matched the name on the tickets they'd bought.

One fan suggested, external the venue and band should be "ashamed" of the situation and for treating people badly, while others below are requesting another gig.

According to the O2, the move was made at the request of the band itself.

Read more.

Image source, NPG

The National Portrait Gallery in London is to stage a new exhibition of art inspired by the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson: On the Wall will span several generations of artists across all media.

It will open in the summer of 2018, to coincide with what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday.

The works include a portrait by Andy Warhol above and a photograph inspired by Michael's video for Billie Jean, external (below) by celebrated photographer David LaChapelle.

Image source, NPG

1Xtra

This year's 1Xtra Live will head to the re-opened Manchester Arena, it has been announced.

The massive show will take place on Saturday 11 November and tickets will go on general release at 18:00 BST on Wednesday 27 September.

Four big names have been announced so far, US rapper Traviss Scott, Bryson Tiller, Donae’o and local grime star Bugzy Malone - who played alongside Noel Gallagher at the venue's official reopening gig earlier this month.

Head to the 1Xtra site for more details.

Image source, Getty Images

The Manc electro-legends have announced that a bitter long-running legal battle with their former bass player has finally been resolved.

The disputes were based upon Peter Hook's use of the New Order and Joy Division brands in the merchandising and promoting of shows by his new band Peter Hook & the Light.

Hook also disputed the amount of money he's received from the use of the name New Order by his former colleagues since 2011.

He claimed he lost out on more than £2m since the three other band members set up a company without him to handle the band's income in 2011.

Hook accused Bernard Sumner and Stephen and Gillian Morris of "pillaging" the pop group's assets.

"The Joy Division and New Order names mean a great deal to so many of the fans," said New Order in a statement, "and the band felt it important to protect the legacy".

No details for the settlement have been divulged.

"With these issues now dealt with, Bernard, Stephen and Gillian can continue to do what they do best, make music and perform live," the statement concluded.

He's been a busy boy of late, after releasing his debut solo album and starring in Christopher Nolan's Second World War film Dunkirk (pretty good in it too, we thought), now Harry Styles has set about cracking America.

Many UK acts have tried it and few have succeeded but we expect the former One Directioner to melt a few hearts along the way, starting in San Francisco last night.

Before the show, he tweeted, external: "I can't wait to see you all, I love you. San Francisco, I'll see you in a bit. H".

Check out some fan-shot footage below, from Team Ariana in Brazil. They get everywhere the Arianators do and obviously have a soft spot for our Harry too.

He's back up on stage in LA tonight.

You'll have to wait until the end of October/start of November for his next UK tour dates...but then you probably already knew that.

Seems there are plenty of Stylesphiles Stateside judging by the screams...

The Guardian

Image source, Getty Images

Yoko Ono is taking legal action to stop her late husband John Lennon's name from being used to brand a lemonade drink.

A Polish company which has been selling their John Lemon drink in the UK for years has now agreed to change its name to On Lemon, after receiving legal documents from Yoko's lawyers.

They say they never actually used the image of the former Beatle to boost their profits but now have until October to sell their remaining stock.

So expect 'Beatlejuice' for sale in a shop near you soon...

Read more., external

Image source, John Lemon

Speaking of Lennon, Arcade Fire have released their cover of the great man's classic solo track Mind Games.

When Win Butler from the band DJ's, its often his final track and the band have performed it live during some their Everything Now live shows

The new version was recorded for the Spotify Singles series, so you can guess where to find it.

Image source, Getty Images

George Ezra.

He follows Wolf Alice, who covered Green Day's Good Riddance (below).

No pressure Georgey but Jay-Z's in on Friday. So best make it a memorable performance.

Tune into Radio 1 from midday.

Remember the Good Old Days?

Thanks to rapper Macklemore and Kesha, you don't have to as they're here to tell you all about it in this uplifting track.

Macklemore spoke to Rolling Stone, external about working with the singer, whom he called "hilarious".

"She is someone that I walked into the room and I immediately just caught a vibe with and became friends with pretty instantaneously.

"She's a musician, she's a writer, she's someone that is not afraid to try ideas in the studio, not afraid to get vulnerable in front of people, not scared to go for the high note when she doesn't know if she can hit it or not."

Praise indeed.

Image source, Getty Images

US hip hop star Pharrell Williams last night condemned white nationalism in the States and pleaded with the American public to "open your eyes", during a heartfelt speech at VH1's Hip-Hop Honors: The 90's Game Changers.

Gangs of white nationalists and neo-nazis marched on Charlottesville, Virginia last month and clashed with protesters while US President Donald Trump later apportioned blamed to both sides.

During the event, which paid tribute to artists like Master P, Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey, Pharrell took the mic and urged folk to take action against those "coming at African-Americans".

He said: "So for everybody at home right now watching this and acting like you all don't see what's going on out there. You've got to open you eyes.

The rapper warned white Americans they are being "used" by the far right protesters.

He later quipped that it was his Jon Snow moment, referring to the Game of Thrones character who has been leading the war against the White Walkers, before adding:

"The white nationalists are walking towards your future. What you gonna do?"

Watch a snippet of the powerful speech, which has been well received online, below.

BBC Newsbeat

Rapper Professor Green says fans can expect new music in the next few months after pledging to "sort himself out".

He posted a less-than-flattering topless photo of himself on Instagram, alongside an emotional message about his drinking habits and depression.

"There's no after pic yet, this is the beginning of the journey," he says, "people only post a view into their (often unrealistic) 'perfect world'".

He then goes on to list depression, drink, "the sesh" and distracting himself from making music as things he's become too dependent on.

"I've been [focusing on] EVERYTHING NEGATIVE", he explains.

Looking forward to hearing some new choons soon, Prof.

Read more.

Image source, Getty Images

A new report from UK Music, which represents the commercial concerns of labels, suggests the worth of the British music industry grew by 6% in 2016.

UK Music has published its Measuring Music 2017 report which found the contribution of live music to the UK's economy is up by 14% to £1bn.

The international success of artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele and Coldplay has also seen British exports rise by 13% to £2.5bn.

Live music now accounts for almost 25% of UK music industry revenues, bringing in £1bn in 2016, over £300 million more than recorded music - which includes sales of CDs, vinyl, downloads and streaming.

However, UK Music also carried out a survey of its members and the impact Brexit will have on the industry and found more than 50% feared leaving the EU would have a negative impact.

Just 2% thought Brexit would have a positive impact while 28% admitted they did not know.

Read the report, external.

Image source, EPA

Foo Fighters performed tracks from their brand new album Concrete & Gold as well as a load of old indie rock 'n' roll classics at their show London's o2 Arena last night.

And they brought a very special guest on stage with them.

A few weeks back, the band surprised a Japanese festival audience by bringing out Rick Astley to perform his 80s classic Never Gonna Give You Up, external.

Well, why not do it again...

Rick, who is thoroughly enjoying his new-found cool dad rock years did knock out a rendition of Everlong at the We Are Manchester benefit gig a few weeks back - now the Foos have returned the favour.

The US band have been making themselves at home over here of late, having headlined Glastonbury and opened a pop-up pub and are also preparing to play the Royal Albert Hall for Jools Holland's special 25 year anniversary show on Thursday evening.

Transport For London have been making them feel even more at home by filling their service information board with Foos song titles.

See if you can spot them all...

Yep, they were the ones underlined in red.

BBC entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson caught up with Dave and Taylor from the band in their hotel room ahead of the gig and we'll bring you that later on Music News LIVE.

Image source, PA

Yesterday heralded the return of Morrissey with his new track Spent the Day in Bed and his first three tweets, external.

Now, today he's back in the news having released yet another controversial politically charged T-shirt via his online merchandise store.

USA resident Morrissey previously removed a similar item from his site, bearing an image of civil rights activist James Baldwin alongside lyrics to The Smiths song Unloveable.

Now, a new Moz T-shirt has gone up, showing an American police officer holding a man to the ground accompanied by the text "who will protect us from the police?"

Image source, Mporium

In May, the US Department of Justice decided not to charge two white police officers who shot and killed a black man; Alton Sterling in Louisiana last summer.

There have been protests in the US city of St Louis over a white former policeman who was found not guilty of murdering a black suspect in 2011.

And, this week, a protest turned violent at Georgia Tech over a student activist who was shot dead by university police officers.

The new t-shirt is bound to cause a stir.