July 6th, 2011

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, one of the UK’s most iconic bands, are returning to the U.S. and Canada for an extensive North American tour this fall. The 21-stop tour marks OMD’s highly anticipated return to the U.S. following their sold-out and highly praised spring run earlier this year

Red Hot Chili Peppers have released the cover for their forthcoming album ‘I’m With You‘ (pic), which has been designed by respected British artist Damien Hurst.

The band unveiled the artwork via their official website with a note that reads: “Check out our new album cover – officially revealed! Damien Hirst did it for us and we’re happy to get this out to ya,” while frontman Anthony Kiedis told Classic Rock: “It’s an image. It’s art. Iconic. We didn’t give it it’s meaning but it’s clearly open to interpretation.”

After a press conference lasting nearly an hour in which Noel Gallagher carefully offered his new solo album news and thoughts on Oasis‘ split, Liam Gallagher has responded with a one-word tweet which simply reads: “SHITBAG”.

It is being left to interpretation as to what the comment is referencing, though Noel’s comments on the Paris fight which ended with him walking out on the band is likely to have been of prime concern to Liam and his fellow Beady Eye bandmates.

Noel Gallagher has offered a characteristically honest assessment of his impeding solo future without younger brother Liam, admitting life as a frontman will be a tough challenge.

Speaking at today’s London press conference, where he unveiled debut solo album ‘Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds‘ and a new backing band of the same name, Gallagher was asked whether he is better off without Liam and, according to the Daily Telegraph‘s Neil McCormick’s Twitter, replied:

“Probably not. I’ve never seen myself as a frontman and can see it being a right pain in the arse.”

Former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has finally unveiled a new chapter in his professional career today, officially announcing a new solo album to an assembled press conference in Notting Hill, London.

The next part of the journey from Inspiral Carpets roadie, to era-defining songwriter, to solo star will begin with the release of ‘Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds‘ on October 17th, followed by a second record with dance duo Amorphous Androgynous sometime next year. The High Flying Birds will be the name of Noel’s new backing band, who will also commence touring in October.

A taste of things to come? Noel Gallagher solo news today – check out a live take of ‘Cast No Shadow’.

Who frontman Roger Daltrey has said the current widespread television coverage of festivals in the UK is doing a ‘disservice’ to music.

At the moment, Glastonbury leads the way with TV exposure, thanks to the BBC’s blanket coverage of the festival across its networks, while T In The Park, Reading/Leeds, Isle Of Wight, Latitude and others all have outlets covering their events over the course of the summer.

Festival-goers arriving at T In The Park over the coming days could be set for a weekend of heavy showers and thunderstorms according to the latest weather forecasts.

Tomorrow (July 7th), is said to be braced for rain throughout, which will continue into the first official day of this year’s event on the Friday, when the Arctic Monkeys will top a bill which also consists of the likes of Plan B and The View.