While the idea of a Parker/Ross crossover has been in the zeitgeist since late last year, the news stagnated pretty quickly. Parker was going to produce a track for Ross’ last album Thank You. In a quote from The Sun, an unknown source explained “She’s really excited to work with Tame Impala, and is ecstatic with the track,” concluding, “She can’t wait for fans to hear it.” As far as I’m aware, no credits were ever given to Parker on the album, so fans were left a little confused. But now, more than 6 months later, it seems we’ve got a whole project to chew on.

The scale of the headline collaborators would normally be enough to turn this project into something worth building some hype. No one was ever wondering if anyone else was involved with Silk Sonic, for instance. But if you take a little look at the poster… it just get better. First of all, produced by Jack Antonoff, then an extra mention to his band Bleachers, a bit of gnarly guitar playing from St. Vincent and Gary Clarke Jr (?), BROCKHAMPTON are coming back together – or maybe just a few of them – there’s even space for RZA.

Outside of new tunes, Tame Impala are currently in the midst of an extensive world tour. The tour takes the band through the US and Europe hitting most of the major festivals along the way, both weekends of Barcelona’s Primavera Sound and Budapest’s Sziget festival stand out as cracking line-ups. But if you don’t fancy a trip abroad, Tame Impala’s only confirmed UK date this year sees them play London’s Victoria Park at All Points East. Swedish fusion group Goat, South-London based post-punk outfit Dry Cleaning, and the fabulous Caroline Polachek will be joining them this August. A few tickets to the date still remain, so if you want to get in on the action you can check out here.

The poster shown above was taken by a fan, Adam Lewis.

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— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) January 14, 2022

Arguably the best of their most recent ‘BUZZCUT’ kicked off the group’s victory lap. Unconfirmed group leader Kevin Abstract bounces onto the stage with enough energy to take on the whole venue himself, this backed up by a performance that has the rare title of being able to out-rap Danny Brown sets the tone for what will eventually become an energy heavy night. As Joba, Matt, Merlyn, Dom, Bearface and the rest of the ensemble arrive no single member of the audience stayed in their seats. Once the first track comes to a close, the BROCKHAMPTON history lesson kicks in, tracks from the SATURATION trilogy, followed by a couple from IRIDESCENCE. Just as the crowd start to get used to the bombardment of hype, none other than Slowthai joined the stage for a take on their joint effort ‘HEAVEN BELONGS TO YOU’. The song comes to a close and the band proceed to give Slowthai centre stage as the backing track for his own track ‘Doorman’ comes blaring through the PA. The boisterous combination however could only go on for so long. Once the Northampton rapper left the stage a few more tracks brought everyone back to the point of the evening before closing with a particularly delicate rendition of ‘SUMMER’. See some fan footage of Slowthai joining the band below.

While the second date followed most of the same beats as the first, many may have been disappointed by a stark lack of an appearance from Slowthai… maybe he was busy, or maybe we have something else to look forward to. But in this case, the secret was just that of a few (possible more niche) album tracks like SEX found their way into the set. SUMMER comes and goes as the band make their way from the stage… but the lights stay down… is more coming? How could they come back to the UK for 2 final shows and not end with BOOGIE. Since its discovery as the opening track of SATURATION III, it’s been a fan favourite. So, what better way to leave them wanting more. Quite fitting for a band that always seems to leave something hanging in the air. Farewell BROCKHAMPTON.

Many fans shared their upset via twitter and instagram with one stating “brockhampton. i have been waiting through 3 years of rescheduled shows to see u. just for them to get cancelled & u to announce ur not performing together again” .

brockhampton. i have been waiting through 3 years of rescheduled shows to see u. just for them to get cancelled & u to announce ur not performing together again u can’t just dip like that man i’m so sad

— tyla (@000tyla) January 14, 2022

Other fans expressed their disappointment in the now six piece with one instagram comment stating “I didn’t have tickets or anything but I’ve never seen a band do this so disrespectfully I hope there’s an explanation.” and another commenting “Probably the lamest way to go out ngl.”

Furthermore, the statement published yesterday claims that the final shows the band will play as a group is London’s Brixton O2 and Coachella, whereas all other dates on their world tour are cancelled, effective immediately. This abrupt nature has not gone unnoticed and many suspect new information to slowly arise from the press, others merely refuse to believe the news and claim this post as a promotional plan.

Brockhampton was formed by front man, Kevin Abstract, in 2015 through a Kanye West fan forum where he recruited 15 members. It would be 2 years later the group made their breakout with the saturation trilogy but then received backlash as they were forced to kick our Ameer Vann due to allegations of “mental and physical abuse”. Despite this, the band went on to sign with RCA and tour the world.

In a heartfelt message to their fans the band writes “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being on this journey with us. We would not be here without our fans. We hope we’ve been able to inspire you as much as you have us these past eight years.” Read the full statement here.

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— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) January 14, 2022

The hip-hop boy band BROCKHAMPTON will now play two consecutive nights in London at O2 Academy Brixton. Other previously announced shows include those in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast, and Glasgow, as well as many dates in other countries in Europe.

This forthcoming tour will be in support of the crew’s fifth studio album GINGER released back in August this year. The album debuted at number 11 on UK Albums Chart, spawning a hit single “NO HALO” which peaked at number 76.

Also, next year’s tour will be the second time BROCKHAMPTON hold their headlining gig in the UK. Their first was Stereo Spirit Tour back in August 2018. The supergroup recently appeared at Lovebox Festival held in last July.

Check out the entire tour dates below, and tickets to their shows are available now.

Tour Dates:
18/05/2020 — O2 Academy Bristol — Bristol
19/05/2020 — O2 Academy Brixton — London
20/05/2020 — O2 Academy Brixton — London
22/05/2020 — O2 Academy Birmingham — Birmingham
23/05/2020 — O2 Apollo Manchester — Manchester
26/05/2020 — Ulster Hall Belfast — Belfast
27/05/2020 — O2 Academy Glasgow — Glasgow

BROCKHAMPTON EUROPE 2020 pic.twitter.com/o5fkiusltR

— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) December 9, 2019

Despite Vann denying the allegations, Brockhampton had already previously announced that they would be delaying the release of their new album Puppy after the allegations first emerged. However, they today have announced that they will be cancelling their remaining tour dates in the US, and formally revealed that they have parted company with Vann through a statement on Twitter, which you can read in full below.

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— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) May 27, 2018

I've been in relationships where I've fucked up and disrespected my partners. I've cheated and been dismissive to my exes. Throughout the past 3 years I've been working hard to reflect on myself and seek out help. It continues to be a learning process every day.

— ameervann (@AmeerVann) May 12, 2018

Apologies aren't enough. I really hope I can be an example of somebody who learned to grow from his mistakes and become a better person.

— ameervann (@AmeerVann) May 12, 2018

Vann hasn’t responded to the news of his removal from the group, and hasn’t made any social media posts since he first initially denied the allegations earlier this month. Puppy was due to be out in June, and a new release date for the project has not yet been announced, having shared the album’s artwork earlier this month.

BROCKHAMPTON ALBUM #4 THIS JUNE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW

— dumbass (@kevinabstract) May 1, 2018

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— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) March 20, 2018

The ‘internets first boy band’ blew up last year with the release of their 3 Saturation albums (1, 2 and 3), and were propelled into the limelight with huge singles such as ‘GOLD’, ‘SWEET’ and ‘BOOGIE’.

All 14 members of the group originate from Texas, but they currently reside in California. They released their debut mixtape All-American Trash in 2016 over a year before their debut studio album. Their rise after the release of this album was almost meteoric, with the third and final instalment of their Saturation trilogy, peaking at number 5 R&B/Hip-Hop charts in the US.

In February, it was announced that Brockhampton had signed a three year, and six album deal with RCA Records, worth over $15,000,000.

Last years success also led the boy band to perform at Coachella festival earlier this year, and their two upcoming UK shows at KOKO in London in August sold out in a matter of minutes.

With their collective chemistry, engaging personalities and sheer uniqueness in their music, it’s pretty clear that Puppy will be an album definitely worth looking out for.

Topping the bill are Fall Out Boy, Kendrick Lamar, Kings of Leon, Wolf Alice, Skepta, and Courteeners. There;s also a spate of new artists who broke through in the last year or so making an appearance, like Post Malone, J Hus, Brockhampton, and Dua Lipa.

“There are very few places that can illustrate the growth of our band from its beginning,” said Fall Out Boy, as they return to headline. “However, Reading and Leeds is one of them. It is an honour to be able to headline a festival that we grew up playing and dreaming of that top spot.”

Kendrick Lamar is also returning to the fabled venues for the first time since 2015, and is wrapping up the UK leg of his DAMN tour this week, having played two raucous dates at London’s O2 Arena, as well as dates in Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

“Reading and Leeds prides itself on being a music-first festival and this year’s line-up already proves that,” said Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn in a statement today. “Kings of Leon and Fall Out Boy are bands that have grown with the festival and its fans and we couldn’t be more pleased to invite them back to headline.