In today’s Soundbites, scientists attempt to answer one of the biggest puzzles in the universe, OK Go unveil yet another memorable video, and there’s news from Paul McCartney and U2, while we take another look at the all-too-familiar, constantly changing Glastonbury weather reports.
Is there intelligent life in the universe? Can we find a cure for cancer? Can we slow down global warming? Scientists have put these questions to one side in an attempt to answer possibly the toughest question of all: how the hell is Ozzy Osbourne still alive? According to Sky News, the former Black Sabbath frontman is set to become of a select group of people in the world to have his full genome mapped in an attempt to discover if a person’s ability to survive years of excess is all down to genetics. The results are expected to take three months to discover, at a cost of £27,000. Nathan Pearson, director of research at Knome, revealed their reasons for testing Ozzy: “Sequencing and analysing individuals with extreme medical histories provides the greatest potential scientific value.”
Sir Paul McCartney’s forthcoming gig at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium is now set to be even more memorable for fans after the Beatles legend confirmed hometown favourites Manic Street Preachers will support him at the show on June 26th. A Manics spokesman told McCartney’s official website: “It is a massive thrill to play the stadium again and an even bigger one to be playing it with the legend that is Sir Paul.” Manic Street Preacher will be joined by highly-rated new Welsh act The Joy Formidable.
OK Go’s new videos have generated more interest than their music over the past few years, and the latest in an ever-growing trend of stand-out videos has continued with the latest offering for their new single ‘End Love‘. Dressed in bright colours, the band again indulge in a quirky dance routine ala ‘Here It Goes Again‘, while a few more camera tricks and a big finish gives it a slightly less D.I.Y feel than earlier videos. Check it out:
U2’s forced cancellation of 17 US dates and their Glastonbury headline appearance is set to cost them upwards of £100 million, according to reports. A ‘source’ told The Sun newspaper: “Bono and the band are covered by insurance but the cost of overheads and missed revenue could easily reach £100 million by the time he’s fit enough to perform again.”
After earlier gloomy reports, the latest weather prediction for this month’s Glastonbury festival is now offering fans hope of a dry weekend. Met Office spokesman John Hammond told the Guardian newspaper: “We can’t be too particular at this early stage and won’t have a more detailed forecast until Monday (21 June). However, it has been predominantly dry in Somerset and this is good news for campers as even if it rains during the festival, the ground will be dry.” No doubt things will change again before the festival is kicked off by His Rolfness on the Pyramid Stage on Friday, June 25th.