View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Official Charts (@officialcharts)

Ed Sheeran topped the list with his hit “Bad Habits”; the track was the longest-running number 1 of the year, spending a total of 11 weeks at the top of the charts. Ed must be used to these accolades with “Bad Habits” becoming his 10th number one and was the first of his four chart-topping tracks this year, the other three being “Shivers”, “Merry Christmas” featuring Elton John and “Sausage Rolls for Everyone” alongside Lad Baby and Elton John.

Two songs in the top 40 served as indicators of how big a year UK hip hop has had commercially with “Body” by Russ and Tion Wayne and “Latest Trends” by A1 and J1 both featuring on the Top 40. “Body” was a global hit not only going number in the UK, the first drill song to do so and sat there for a consecutive 3 weeks, but the track also went number one in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. These accomplishments aided the track to a top 10 finish on the UK Top 40 for 2021. “Latest Trends” by the 15 and 17 years old artists was their debut single, peaking in the weekly charts at second after becoming a viral hit over the social media platform TikTok. The duo’s hit gained them a place on the Top 40 of 2021, finishing at 26th.

The Top 40 may have diverted from the regular trends with the appearance of Russ, Tion Wayne, A1 and J1 but except for these, the Top 40 featured a number of US pop superstars including breakout star Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X and Doja Cat. In addition to this, a number of UK popstars such as Dua Lipa, Adele and Anne Marie were featured.

The full Top 40 is available to see here.

Other festivals of a similar size, such as UK Boomtown spin off Boom Village, have decided not to go ahead, stating that “The core decision is due to the escalating cases of Covid-19 across the country, and the risks that widespread illness and self-isolation could have on our crew and contractors, which would result in us not having enough people to build and deliver the show to the high public safety standards we uphold.”

The Green Man festival, founded by Jo and Danny Hagan in 2003, takes place annually in the Brecon Beacons in Wales from the 19th-22nd August. The festival will host a wide range of artists including Mogwai, Caribou, Fontaines DC, and Thundercat, as well as other artists spanning the genres of indie, folk, jazz, pop, post-punk and electronic music. Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai was delighted at the announcement, stating that “We’ve been looking forward to making a racket in the countryside for a long time.”

Wales has been doing better than England in terms of cases and contaminants, hence more optimistic projections for large and live events to be able to go ahead. 

All attendees will have to provide proof that they have been double vaccinated at least two weeks before the event takes place, but the festival will not require masks to be worn.  The festival is not one of the events making up the government’s testing programme, meaning data will not be collected from the event to analyse how it affects the spread of coronavirus.

The band took to their Instagram to announce the news.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Vaccines (@thevaccines)

The demos included in the new collection include raw and stripped back early renditions of ‘If You Wanna’, ‘Post Break Up Sex’ and ‘Nørgaard’. A reissue of their debut album has also been released as well as a special edition pressing on pink vinyl, complete with a coupon for the download of the original album as well as a new and limited insert, with only 2500 pressings the LP is sure to become a coveted item for any fan. All releases also include the new demo collection. The band also took to their Instagram page to post their podcast, where, in celebration of the new release they discuss each track.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Vaccines (@thevaccines)

The debut album entered the UK album charts at number four and sired six singles. The album’s first single, ‘Wreckin Bar (Ra Ra Ra)/ Blow It Up’ was an unexpected hit for the band and gained a large amount of airplay, the single was released on November 22nd 2010 and both tracks were selected as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record in the world on October 6th 2010. ‘Post-Break-Up Sex’ was the second single to be released on January 21st 2011 as a digital download as well on 7’’ Vinyl the next day. The third single, ‘If You Wanna’, released on March 18th 2011, became the highest viewed music video on YouTube at the point of release with over 7.5 million views. Originally released as the band’s first demo, the track was re-recorded for release from the album.

The album’s next singles, ‘All in White’ and ‘Nørgaard’, were released in the June and August of the same year. ‘Nørgaard’ was chosen as the free ‘Single of the week’ on iTunes and was written about Danish supermodel Amanda Nørgaard. The debut’s sixth and final single ‘Wetsuit” / “Tiger Blood’ was released in December of the same year. All lyrics from the album were written by lead singer and guitarist, Justin Young. The 33-year-old singer and musician has been playing music since his teens, starting his musical career in Alt-Country and Hardcore Punk bands . He clearly has artistic genes as he is the great-grandson of celebrated painter Walter Hayward-Young.

Last month The Vaccines announced they were working on new material, heralding it as the best record they have made. The band have been working on their follow up to the 2018 album, ‘Combat Sport’ since last year. In February of this year, the band posted an interview on their Twitter page speaking further about their new work.

Click here to order the album and pre-order the Vinyl.

In a statement, the festival director and founder Alex Trenchard said,  “It brings me incredible joy and happiness to announce the return of Standon Calling. It’s no secret that the past year has been an incredibly tough one not just for the festival world, but for all of us longing to return to some degree of normality and longing to celebrate and dance together once again.”

The Hertfordshire festival, which originally began as a birthday barbecue and grew in to an annual event, were ‘heartbroken’ to have to cancel their 15th Anniversary, which would have been last year. However, the organisers have stated they are back with an even bigger event to make up for the belated anniversary.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Standon Calling (@standoncalling)

Headliners for the 2021 festival include Bastille, Primal Scream, Hot Chip and Craig David. Mystery Jets, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Biig Piig and many others will also be performing at the boutique music festival. Comedians Ed Gamble and Zoe Lyons will take centre stage in the comedy tent with the annual dog show and costume parade also going ahead. 

Trenchard went on to state, “This year’s line-up is my favourite to date, from huge headliners to some of the most exciting new sounds/artists going and the return of some huge family highlights from over the years – I can’t wait to welcome you all this summer.”

Labelled as one of the friendliest festival crowds, Standon Calling 2021 will certainly be welcomed by music fanatics come July 2021. This is just one of the latest UK festivals that have confirmed their return in summer 2021, with Reading & Leeds, Isle of Wight and Latitude confirming their immense return too.

All tickets previously bought to the independent festival will be valid for their July 2021 return. If you haven’t bought one yet, weekend tickets to Standon Calling are still on sale which can be found here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Standon Calling (@standoncalling)

“it’s a big team effort”

We’re super excited that @jordanadetunji is joining us as our #IVW21 Ambassador for Northern Ireland, read more about how his local music scene and independent venues have supported him at the start of his career: https://t.co/RlaYU3G4wX pic.twitter.com/xpGqihhApt

— Independent Venue Week (@IVW_UK) January 7, 2021

The annual week-long event, will celebrate grassroots music venues across the UK, inviting a myriad of artists from across the UK to play digital shows in order to raise awareness for local venues and creative spaces. The organisation will also hold comedy, poetry, and craft events in order to raise support. So far, over 64 venues across the UK will take part in the celebrations

“I am delighted to have been chosen as the ambassador for Northern Ireland during Independent Venue Week 2021. Independent venues play a vital role in creating economic opportunities, while at the same time showcasing and promoting the works of many local artists like myself,” Adetunji stated. “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together venues, artists, events operators, and the public – especially in these challenging times – to highlight the importance of independent venues.”

An ambassador from Independent Music Week 2021 also expressed their excitement in teaming up with Adetunji. “As we step into 2021, it is clear we are a long way from any kind of opportunity to safely enjoy live music in grassroots music venues and the health and well-being of our whole community is our priority.”

 “IVW is responding by adapting the way shows are available across the week with a range of digital events. From ‘In Conversations’ with artists, labels, promoters, gig goers and other industry organisations to album listening parties, pre-recorded live streams, comedy and quizzes.”

“Our thanks goes to everyone who has bought tickets, supporting the 100 Club and it’s staff. The few shows we have been able to put on in December have been a rare ray of relief for us all. For existing ticket holders, you will be notified when re-scheduled dates are confirmed. If you would like to be refunded, please contact your ticket provider.” (WeGotTickets)

Вижте тази публикация в Instagram.

Публикация, споделена от The 100 Club (@100clublondon)

Following the updated Government guidelines, Tier 3 stands for Very High Alert and specifies that “hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services“. For venues like The 100 Club, this means immediate cancelation of all festive events planned for the foreseeable future. Many local pubs and small entertainment venues tried to return to their planned calendar runs after London resumed its normal life at the beginning of December, but saw those plans put into hold after positive testing peaked yet again in the capital and Wednesday marked the return to another period of tighter measures.

For December, The 100 Club had a busy month planned ahead, trying to end 2020 on a high note. The cancelled events are R&B band Moa Moa (16 & 18 Dec), singer-songwriter Billy Locket (17 Dec),  and the ‘Absolute Bowie’ tribute show (19 Dec), with all rescheduled dates to be confirmed. The tribute to the punk veterans The Cramps and gothic legends Bauhaus by Teenage Warewolves, She’s In Bauhaus and Kitten Deville has been moved to 13 June 2021. Moreover, the upcoming gig by Chantel McGregor and Erja Lyytinen has been moved all the way to 4 February 2022.

In order to adapt to the changing times, The 100 Club opened as a regular bar for the first time last Monday 14 December. For just £2 visitors were able to book a table and enjoy a drink without the need of a substantial meal and enjoying music by Dj Never Heard Of Ya. The miracle did not last long with the club now forced to close in light of Tier 3 guidelines. However, next month The 100 Club are set to pilot a brand new Pathogen Reduction System supported by the Musc Venue Trust. The invention is set to clear 99% of the infectious airbourne pathogens, including coronavirus.

Despite having to shut for the foreseeable as London is now placed in Tier 3, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be trialling the Pathogen Reduction System (PRS) next month in addition to a new “Test Clean Prevent” (TCP) system along with @musicvenuetrust. pic.twitter.com/jqy8RJVETl — The 100 Club (@100clubLondon) December 16, 2020

Located at 100 Oxford Street at the very heart of London, the iconic music venue was opened in 1942 and has been operating as the beating heart of the capital’s punk rock scene ever since. The club used to offer its stage to the likes of the Sex Pistols, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Clash, The Stranglers and The Damned, and has remained a bastion of quality live music with more recent memorable performances by Alice Cooper, Shame, The Specials, Idles and Sleaford Mods.

The 100 Club is set to return to scheduled live events on 8th and 9th February 2021 with their Resolution 2021 punk festival events featuring The Vibrators and TV Smith.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Official Blue Instagram (@officialblue)

Blue was a very popular band when they formed back in 2000. Formed by Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe Blue wherein high regards around the time of early Naughties pop bands. In the same tier as bands like Steps, S Club Seven, and the Spice Girls the British pop band scene of the naughties was hard to topple. Blue was a band that started very strong and did very well early but unfortunately was hit with a lot of misfortunes halting the band’s progress.

Between 2000, when the band formed, and 2003 the band released three studio albums. All of the albums reached critical success with all three peaked at number 1 in the UK charts. Starting strong early the band became so famous they worked alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder and Sir Elton John. However, Hard times hit the band and the boys announced a hiatus after the release of their compilation album Best of Blue in 2004  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Official Blue Instagram (@officialblue)

Speaking to the Sun, Duncan shed some light on the band’s goings-on “I’d like to think we’ll reform again. We were wanting to do something for our 20th anniversary but at the moment lockdown has meant it’s been difficult to get together. It’s not been easy.”. Obviously, with the on-going global pandemic, the band has missed the date of their 20 year anniversary but there is hope that 2021 will see them return. After their hiatus, the band did reunite before but has been fairly silent since the first reunion.

The original reunion (back in January of 2011) was to represent the UK in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest (a very good choice). Blue wrote the song I can for the contest, It later appeared on their fourth studio album, that year the UK came eleventh scoring 100 points. Unfortunately for the boy band, bad news followed after their comeback. in 2015 the band were dropped by their label Sony for poor sales of their fifth album. Colours was met with poor reviews selling just 4000 copies in the first week alone. Since then the band have been quiet aside from a few shows.

An insider has come forward to back up the claims of a comeback saying seemingly trying to hype up fans “They know they have a loyal fanbase who they love to entertain so it’s safe to say it’s going to be a Blue extravaganza in 2021.”

Tinie’s most recent album ‘YOUTH’ was released in 2017. On 1st October 2010, he had his first UK number 1 hit with the track, ‘Pass Out.’ That year he also had hits with ‘Frisky‘ and ‘Miami 2 Ibiza‘ with the renowned DJ’s Swedish House Mafia. He recently collaborated with pop singer L Devine on the electro track by Torren Foot ‘More Life.’

 The UK rapper announced on twitter that he’ll be celebrating his album’s success with a special performance at the Royal London Albert Hall on 16th April 2021. He said on twitter, “Catch me live celebrating 10 Years of Disc-Overy @Royal Albert Hall in 2021. I can’t wait to see you all. It’s gonna be crazy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TINIE (@tiniegram)

NME reported him to of said, “My album ‘Disc-Overy’ is officially 10 years old,” He tweeted in October, “It was a life-changer. Just wanna say thank you to all of you guys for the support through the years. It’s been a crazy journey.”” In March this year Tinie released his latest material with rapper No3ts called ‘Top Winners.’ It was his first release in 3 years. The song premiered on Radio 1 on March 16th as Annie Macs hottest record in the world at the time it was aired.

Tinie told NME in an interview, “I made this record with Not3s because it’s about a ‘Winners’ mindset and mentality,” Tinie Tempah explained of the song. “Having that outlook has kept us focused – it’s the reason I am where I am, and the reason Not3s is where he is. It’s all about striving to achieve more and continue to do better for yourself.””

His music career began in 2009, when he signed to Parlophone records, a label belonging to Warner Music Group. In 2006 he founded his own company with his cousin Dumi Oburota. As well as being a record label, ‘Disturbing London’ also acts as a brand consultancy, artist management, event management, music publishing and fashion label.

His album ‘Disc-Overy’ was released on October 2010. The album charted at number 1 and was certified Platinum the next year. As well as winning his BRIT Award for ‘Best British Single,’ in 2011, he also won ‘Best British Breakthrough Act.’ His second album was released in 2013 entitled ‘Demonstration.’ The album charted at number 3 and was certified gold the next year.  In 2015, his single from his 3rd album ‘Not Letting go’ gave him his 6th number 1, making him the most successful UK rapper.

As well as celebrating his 10th anniversary for his album at the Royal Albert Hall on 16th April, Tinie will also be performing at the historic venue on the 29th March for the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th Anniversary in a big birthday concert. He will headline the show along with Patti Smith, John Legend, Brian Wilson, Alfie Boe and Eric Clapton. Tickets for Tinie Tempah’s show can be purchased here.

Steps were once described by producer Pete Waterman as “Abba on speed”. To many, Steps being a part of the Eurovision Song Contest would be an amazing thing and a no brainer. But for the group starting in the late ’90s, there is more to it than a simple yes to the idea. “Although there’s one person that would really like to do it. But to actually do it as a band,  is not something that I personally want to take on.” says one of the group, Tozer. The one person who is fully on board is H and now it’s up to the group to debate the merits.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steps Official (@officialsteps)

Being very popular in the early Naughties and consisting of  Claire Richards, Lee Latchford-Evans, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian “H” Watkins. For many born in the early to mid 90s Steps were one of the major pop groups that were played on repeat (alongside S Club 7) and is still to this day is remembered and played by those same people with hits like 5, 6, 7, 8 and Tragedy. When listening to their old hits it’s clear to hear just who steps could fit into the over-the-top amazing styles of Eurovision.

Starting in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has been a yearly staple ever since. In recent years 43 countries enter the contest starting from a vastly smaller 7 countries (Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Italy), perform a song and each country then votes on who wins, the winning song, and the country will host the next year’s contest. Eurovision is known for its flamboyant, extravagant, over-the-top, and amazing performances (and of course graham Nortons ongoing commentary for the English viewers). Truly a spectacle to experience.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

Eurovision is a great experience for people to watch, it’s a fun thing to get your friends round and make a party of it. This year (2020) it had to be canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it left a lot of fans missing the yearly extravaganza. In 2019 it was found that a larger amount of younger people were watching Eurovision, in particular, 15 to 24-year-olds. This age group (and a little bit older) are the main listeners and lovers of Steps so it would be an incredible thing for those listeners to see Steps on the Song Contest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BST Hyde Park (@bsthydepark)

Over the last year shows, gigs, and festivals have all been canceled. The whole world has come to a halt but has started to climb back to what it once was. Glastonbury this year was meant to celebrate its 50th year but was canceled due to Covid-19. BST Hyde Park was one of the festivals that had to cancel, stopping a lot of festival-goers from a summer of fun and music. Now, however, festivals like Glastonbury and BST Hyde Park have announced they will be going ahead next year.

Duran Duran, who were originally going to perform at this year’s BST Hyde Park before it was cancelled, has been announced to play a set in the up and coming return to the summer festival. Alongside Nile Rodgers and CHIC, and Grace Jones, Duran Duran will be playing on Sunday the 11th of July. Not only that, but the new set that they will play will be the first they’ve played in London in 6 years!  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Duran Duran (@duranduran)

Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran has said “This will be our first London show in six years and we are honoured that two of our musical heroes Nile Rodgers and Grace Jones will be joining us on the bill. Seeing as we had to postpone the 2020 show, BST Hyde Park 2021 will be extra special to us. After the year that everyone’s been through, we’re aiming to make next summer into the kind of party we all deserve.”. Le Bon is correct in saying that after a year like the one we’ve all had we could use an amazing summer full of music and festivals.

So far the only other show announced is Pearl Jam who will be playing a set on both the 9th and the 10th of July before Duran Duran. With Duran Duran playing their first show in 6 years, Pearl Jam will one-up them with this being their biggest show they’ve ever played in London. This is shaping up to be a summer that is long deserved and one to be remembered.

Before canceling the festive, organisers of BST said “This would have been the 8th year of this event and we were looking forward to putting on amazing, unique shows for hundreds of thousands of fans in the world’s greatest outdoor venue,”. But, now tickets for next summer will go on sale at 10 am on the 10th of December and you can buy tickets here.