Down the years we've been tickled by The Darkness, external and Mr Hankey, external at Christmas to name but a few.

The standard has been set high, so if you're going to do a festive funny, for heaven's sake make it a good one.

So we'll leave you this year with one that certainly qualifies. The Christmas cover that the entire galaxy has waiting for.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from us all at Music News LIVE. See you back here on 3 January.

Without further a do, ladies and gentleman, introducing...the artist formerly known as Chewbacca from Star Wars.

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In 2016, total sales of recorded music continued to fall but the way in which we're all consuming it has changed.

The money generated by subscription streaming - from the likes of Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music leapt from £168m to £251m.

And UK Music has insisted the figures would be higher if free-to-access sites like YouTube paid fairer rates.

The rise in streaming was key to Drake's success in 2016 as the most streamed artist on Spotify, racking up 4.7 billion streams.

His track One Dance was streamed 960 million times. Played consecutively, that would take more than 5,200 years. And who has that much time these days?

Though by the looks of it above, he ain't bovved mate.

Apple Music saw its subscribers rise to 20 million accounts.

Its top five albums were... 

1) Drake - Views.

2) Adele - 25.

3) Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Music 93.

4) Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Music 94.

5) Justin Bieber - Purpose.

Image source, AP

Rock 'n' roll is a young mans game, they say.

Well yah boo sucks to that, as after 50 years in the game The Rolling Stones proved there is still life in the old dogs yet.

With Blue and Lonesome, they enjoyed their first number one album in 22 years (and 12th in total).

And that's not all...

...Sir Mick Jagger became a dad for the eight time aged 73 after his 29-year-old girlfriend American ballerina Melanie Hamrick gave birth to his new son in New York - now brilliantly-named Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger.

While, in May, bandmate Ronnie Wood became a father again at the age of 68.

His wife Sally gave birth to twin girls Gracie Jane & Alice Rose.

All told, the gents can lay aside any plans for a gentle game of bowls in Margate for a while yet.

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It was a simple concept from the good people at Radio 1 back in the day. Get top bands/artists to cover other top bands/artists live on the radio. Simple.

But for some reason it continues to throw up moments of magic.

2016 saw Chance the Rapper do Drake (below), Christine and the Queens be Beyonce, external and the 1975 channel their inner One Direction.

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The Cheshire band's cover of 1D's What Makes You Beautiful even won them a Best Live Lounge performance gong at the BBC Awards don't cha know.

(Good cover, not sure about the vest though Matty).

And this year also saw the Live Lounge debut for one Mr D.Brent and his band Foregone Conclusion.

They treated Greg James to a festive cover of Frank Sinatra's Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Init.

Image source, Getty Images

The issue of people paying over-the odds for gig tickets on the secondary market is nothing new but the debate moved into hyper-drive this year when concert promoters Live Nation Italy admitted that some of its tickets were put directly onto the resale website Viagogo.

In September, Iron Maiden announced they were going paperless in an effort to combat touts on their forthcoming UK tour.

Fans will not receive printed tickets but will have to present photo ID and a credit card when they arrive at the venue.

Also in the UK, You Me at At Six singer Josh Franceschi became so fed up of secondary ticketing, he personally sold tickets to a recent show to fans.

He said: "We're playing a very intimate show at Dingwalls in London and we've already seen tickets on websites for triple the amount they were supposed to be."

Image source, Getty Images

He also gave evidence before a Commons Select Committee, which was looking at the issue.

And, in December, a bombshell from the US when Congress passed new laws to crack down on bots that buy batches of tickets online before humans.

The software means concerts often sell out in minutes.

Using these programmes is an "unfair and deceptive practice", the legislation says.

Will we see anything similar happen here? Watch this space...

Image source, Getty Images

It's as certain as death and taxes, as long as celebrity and social media exists, we will be treated to eye-opening spats, quarrels, beefs and barneys.

And 2016 was no exception - perhaps the highest profile came during Phil Collins' promotion of his new autobiography and an anecdote about meeting with a dismissive-sounding Paul McCartney when he once asked him to autograph a Beatles book. 

"He's been in touch about it because he was upset," Collins said later. 

"I certainly didn't get any flowers from him; I got more of a 'Let's just get on with our lives.' And I'm sorry he's upset that I kinda said something nasty about him - well, it wasn't really nasty. 

"If people don't tell people that sometimes their attitude could be a bit better then you're not gonna get any better, y'know?"

Ouch.

Image source, Getty Images

Kanye got into a major tiff with Taylor Swift over the release of his track Famous - and its video which featured a naked sleeping Taylor waxwork.

In the lyrics, he claimed he was going to sleep with her - and insisted that she gave her approval....to the song that is.

Image source, Getty Images

She denied it.

Then was called a liar by his wife Kim Kardashian-West.

Image source, Getty Images

He also got into another beef when he had a go at Beyonce and her husband, Jay Z, just three tracks into a gig in Sacramento.

"Jay Z, call me, bruh... Talk to me like a man".

Other great rows included Azealia Banks vs Russell Crowe (and pretty much everyone else she came across).

Will 2017 bring the same level of vitriol and pettiness? We can only hope... 

Now they say that nostalgia is not what it used to be - but when it comes to music in 2016 that's simply not the case.

This year saw a host of old-timers return to bother the top of the charts once again.

Robbie Williams became the UK's most successful solo artist ever in November when his Heavy Entertainment Show landed him at No.1 in the album charts for the 12th time.

UK garage pioneer Craig David was able to re-e-wind the clock himself, following his intuition all the way to number one.

And Rick Astley was never gonna give up on his dream of returning to the top of the charts.

His album 50 went to number one and was even shortlisted ahead of David Bowie in the BBC Music Awards album of the year. That's right Astley > Bowie.

Image source, Getty Images

After cleaning up in the chart battle Rick told Radio 2's Chris Evans how his celebrations had mostly involved a mop.

Will next year's music headlines be dominated once more by old-timers or some fresh young things?

That we don't know yet. But we do know that Axl and Slash are heading to Dublin and London next summer for some massive gigs and we reckon they might just have something to say about it.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

For music fans like yourselves, British summertime (gulp) mean one thing: Festival season.

The annual hippy pilgrimage to Worthy Farm. A trip to the Isle of Wight in fancy dress for Bestival. Or a rowdy one up at T in the Park.

Such traditions however, are all under threat it seems. Or at least they are changing.

Image source, Getty Images

November saw some pesky ospreys (the bird, not rugby team) ruin your T.

That news was all too much for some of you North of the border to take.

Image source, Mike Massaro

Earlier this month Bestival announced it was growing up and leaving home after 12 years, to move to Dorset. We hope the famous fancy-dress themed event doesn't mature too much though.

Then, this week MIchael Eavis said that Glastonbury could be moving "100 miles towards the Midlands."

We don't think that the Stone Circle would feel the same somehow in Kidderminster. No offence.

Anyway, wherever you have to lay your tent next summer, that's your home.

BBC Radio 3

Image source, AP

Sir David Attenborough is set to reveal a side of himself that nobody knows, as a collector of music from all over the world. 

One of his first projects was the TV series Alan Lomax - Song Hunter, about the famous collector of the blues and folk music of America.

Inspired by Lomax, Sir David became a music collector himself, gathering songs from all over the world.

He has since given the music to the BBC and has been listening back to it.

You can hear the full programme on Radio 3 on Christmas Day from 18:45 GMT.

Image source, Getty Images

Grime music has been with us for more than ten years thanks to artists like Wiley, Lethal B and Dizzee Rascal.

But 2016 was arguably the year in which it made the leap to the mainstream, thanks to an against the odds win for Skepta at the Mercury awards in September.

His fourth album was self-released and landed at number two in the charts and he played to a sellout gig at Alexandra Palace in London for Apple Music earlier this month.

The longlist for the BBC Sound of 2017 was also dominated by British urban acts including AJ Tracey, Stefflon Don and Raye BLK. Even Stormzy's cousin Nadia Rose is in on the act and watch out for a bloke called Dave too.

What does 2017 hold? 

Man is waiting to find out...

Image source, Adele

In many ways the world (or at least the music world) was dominated by two women from either side of the Atlantic.

Adele may have released 25 last year but this year she took the album on road with Adele Live 2016, her largest tour to date, taking in Europe, North America and Australia and New Zealand.

In February, she collected four Brits - female solo artist, British album of the year, British single of the year and British Global Success.

She headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury and was named artist of the year by Billboard for the third time.

Oh and she was nominated for five Grammy awards. Just the five...

...and if all that's not enough she secured the double double at this year's BBC Music Awards to boot.

...which brings us nicely to Beyonce...

Image source, PA

She scooped nine nominations for the 2017 Grammy Awards, extending her lead as the most-nominated woman in Grammys history.

Beyonce now has 62 Grammy nominations across her work as a solo artist and as part of Destiny's Child, winning 20 of them.

In February, Queen Bey released Formation and performed it live for the first time during the NFL Super Bowl 50 half-time show.

It caused no ends of controversy, appearing to reference the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther party.

She followed it up with the Formation World Tour, with stops in North America and Europe.

In April, Beyonce released a teaser clip for a project called Lemonade - a film/album hybrid released exclusively on Tidal.

It debuted at number one on the US Billboard chart and has since gone on to top many Best of 2016 end of year charts.

Phew. Who runs the music world? Er, girls.

Pitchfork

Nobody wants to be alone at Christmas and it seems that Ryan Adams is no different. He's shared a song in time for Crimbo entitled To Be Without You.

In a Twitter post, the singer said writing it "broke his heart into a zillion pieces".

It's taken from his forthcoming album Prisoner, which you'll have to wait until 17 February for.

Until then, sit back and enjoy the sound of beautiful heartbreak.

Image source, Getty Images

While Donald Trump appears to be struggling to attract the big names to play at his inauguration ceremony next month (scroll down) - he still will be the new US President for the next four years come 20 January 2017...whether Katy Perry likes it or not.

The campaign trail for his democrat rival Hillary Clinton was littered with pop, rap and rock's finest from Katy, to Gaga, to Selena, to Beyonce & Jay Z, to Madge, to Chance, to The Boss, to Bon Jovi and beyond.

And what good did it her do her in the end? Nada.

Image source, Getty Images

The closest Donald got to a celeb endorsement was a manic onstage rant from Kanye West in which he revealed that he didn't vote, but had he done so we would've voted Trump.

Image source, Getty Images

After a brief spell in hospital he then rocked up at Trump Tower to discuss "multicultural issues".

While pop stars clearly can't win you elections, there's nothing to stop them from standing in them themselves. Is there?

#Kanye2021 #katyforpresident #itstheendoftheworldasweknowit

Image source, Getty Images

Georgian-British singer-songwriter Katie Melua says she grew tired of performing her earlier "hits" as she could no longer relate to the lyrics.

Katie arrived onto the scene in 2003 with tracks like Closest Thing To Crazy and Call Off The Search and her follow-up record Piece By Piece was best known for top five track Nine Million Bicycles. 

The 32-year-old says: "I went through a period where I would find it frustrating to play the hits, but I have to say now, like when I was playing Closest Thing To Crazy on my latest tour, it actually felt incredible, because I feel like I'm growing into that song.

"I think an 18, 19-year-old singing that song, where the line is, 'Feeling 22, acting 17', it doesn't actually match. 

"Whereas now I'm over 30, and even when I'm older, I feel like that song's going to become more potent and powerful."

She wants to take a leaf out of Donny Osmond's book.

The American former child sensation says he still enjoys performing his hit Puppy Love and believes pop stars should treat their early chart-toppers with more respect.

Image source, Getty Images

Osmond, 59, said: "Puppy Love is probably the most recognisable song to a certain generation so why turn away from it?

"I did for a while but I realised it made me who I am today so why would I turn a blind eye to something so successful?

"Maybe one day Justin Bieber will sing Baby (his breakout hit) with more respect."

He said Justin, but we think he was aiming that at you really Katie.

Donny's The Soundtrack Of My Life UK tour will kick off at the Manchester Arena on 21 January before travelling to Glasgow, Brighton, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, London and Birmingham. 

Kanye West and Madonna are among musicians paying tribute to Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani, who has died at the age of 66. 

Sozzani ran the magazine for nearly 30 years and its website today, external features a page of her best known quotes, including: "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." 

She died after a long illness, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

Image source, Reuters

Well, 2016 started out at frantic pace and didn't lose any speed, did it?

On 10 January, just two days after his 69th birthday and the release of what was to be his final album Blackstar, David Bowie died.

Eight days later, it was the turn of The Eagles' Glenn Frey. 

In March, Phife Dawg from A Tribe Call Quest died of complications relating to diabetes at the age of 45.

In April, we were left even more shocked when Prince was found dead at his Paisley Park home studio.

From there on, it seemed like the grim reaper was having a bit of a free for all - Sir George Martin, Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, Sharon Jones, Leon Russell, Bobby Vee, Pete Burns, Prince Be, Merle Haggard.

In November, the world lost Leonard Cohen, again just weeks after his acclaimed final album You Want It Darker.

In August, four months earlier, Cohen wrote a final letter to his dying muse Marianne Ihlen.

His song So Long, Marianne appeared on his 1967 album Songs of Leonard Cohen.

The beautifully poignant letter read: "Well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. 

"Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine."

Maybe its not so bad realising that our heroes are human after all...

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BBC 6 Music

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Kate Moss was the 'surprise' guests on the last hour of 6 Music breakfast presenter Shaun Keaveny's show this morning.

He played a selection of her fave Christmas tunes including David Bowie's Little Drumer Boy, Charles Brown's Please Come Home for Christmas and Wham!'s Last Christmas.

She even revealed that she sometimes sneaks over her neighbour George Michael's wall to use his swimming pool.

Shaun also asked about the Elvis Presley video she has just appeared in, dressed all in black ala The King's 1968 Comeback Special, external.

And if you haven't yet seen it, here is Kate in all her black leather catsuited glory...

Thank you. Thank you very much.

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With less than a month to go until Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States and we're still no clearer as to who will be playing at his inauguration.

In yesterday's Music News LIVE, we told you about the artists who are playing his pre-inauguration All-American Ball - Beau Davidson, external, The Reagan Years and The Mixx.

Now, it's been reported The Beach Boys have been asked to play the offical swearing in - with the Hollywood Reporter, external quoting a statement: "No decision has been made at this point as to how or whether they will participate. 

"We will let you know as soon as a decision is final."

Image source, Getty Images

Dancing squad the Radio City Rockettes have also apparently been approached to perform but, according to a report in the NY Post, external, one dancer has taken to social media to protest against the booking.

Rockette Phoebe Pearl apparently said in an private Instagram post on Thursday that she was “embarrassed and disappointed” to appear at the event.

The Washington Post has also confirmed a booking - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has agreed to perform, announcing it on their website, external.

Artists who are said to have turned Trump down include Sir Elton John, Celine Dion, Gene Simmons from Kiss and Andrea Bocelli.

The president-elect tweeted last night:

We really don't think you need to worry DJ.

Billboard magazine

Image source, Getty Images

Stars of the rock 'n' roll world have come together to lend their voice of support for refugees fleeing from religious and political violence around the world.

The likes of Yoko Ono, Keith Richards. Bruce Springsteen, Robert Planet, Iggy Pop, Sting and Patti Smith, join a host of other celebrities in carrying the message "We Are Not Afraid.", external

That's the title of the track in the video below, written by Nigerian singer-songwriter Majek Fashek and it's available now with all proceeds going to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

It was directed by photographer by Bob Gruen, who hopes the video provides a "a positive statement in a negative world."

He said: "I hope it becomes something that inspires people around the world to do their own versions. You shouldn’t go through life being afraid."

We thinks he's Bob on.

Yoko added: "We're all together now!"

Nice touch team.

Read more, external.

Daily Mirror

Image source, Getty Images

Everybody's favourite former skater girl Avril Lavigne has lashed out at Mark Zuckerberg, after the Facebook mastermind made a "poor taste" joke at the expense of her ex hubby Chad Kroger.

In a new advert, external, Facebook's artificial intelligence assistant Jarvis tells Zuckers that there are "no good Nickelback songs" to play for him.

And while he may be able to plead fair comment, Avril says (on Twitter, notice) that the gag was mean, old and akin to "bullying".

Image source, Getty Images

She said: "Dear Mark, many people use your products - some people love them and some people don’t.

"Either way, you’re allowed your musical opinion however, your jab at Nickelback is in poor taste.

She then goes on to list about a million relevant hashtags.

"SayNoToBullying #TheJokeIsOld #NickelbackHasSoldOver50MillionAlbums."

Ok, three really - but she's not happy is she?

Oh Mark it's Christmas, why d'ya have to go and make things so complicated?

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