Prince estate quashes Paisley Park sale rumours
Prince’s estate has denied reports that it is planning to sell the singer’s Paisley Park studio. The statement comes after gossip site TMZ reported that permission had been requested to put several of the late artist’s properties on the market, including the famous Minnesota recording studio and rehearsal space where he lived. Bremer Trust says the TMZ report is false and that the estate has “no plans to sell either Paisley Park or the property referred to as the Purple Rain house”. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Bremer Trust has filed papers asking for permission to sell almost 20 properties owned by Prince. (The Guardian)
UK music festivals hit by measles outbreak
A number of music festivals have become a hotbed of measles this summer, according to Public Health England. A "significant number" of cases had been linked to the events, with 36 cases reported in June and July. More infected people are expected to be discovered as the outbreaks are investigated. People planning to attend other festivals this summer are advised to ensure they are vaccinated against the disease. The virus, which is highly infectious, causes a rash and cold-like symptoms for most people, but it can be deadly in some cases. (BBC)
Frequent gig goers may soon be able to bypass long security lines
Live Nation has partnered with IdentoGo, the company associated with the TSA Pre-check at airports, which lets frequent flyers bypass long security lines. With the Fast Pass system at Live Nation events, concertgoers will have a dedicated line and, even though the security company won’t be the TSA, the same protocol applies. A Fast Pass enrollment works at both the live events and at airports. The partnership began at the Watershed Festival in Quincy, Wash., July 29 and IdentoGO will run TSA Pre-check enrollments at more than 20 events. The programme is active through the end of next year and will likely be extended if successful. (Pollstar)
Biffy Clyro unveil UK’s first VR music video
Biffy Clyro have created the UK’s first immersive music video using virtual reality technology to allow viewers into the midst of the action. The VR video for their new track Flammable places fans at the heart of an action packed performance. Fans will be able to experience the new video within a giant experiential structure - the specially-created “Hypercube” - which will be touring festivals this summer. The Hypercube studio allows festivalgoers to feel as though they are actually present at one of the band’s live shows. Once inside the Hypercube, up to 50 festival goers at a time can use the Samsung Gear VR headset and instantly find themselves beside frontman/guitarist Simon Neil and his bandmates James Johnston (bass) and drummer Ben Johnston, suspended in a Perspex box above an abandoned warehouse.
Bow Wow bows out
Rapper Bow Wow has announced his retirement from music at the age of 29. The rapper has revealed that he will release one more album, which will be executive produced by Snoop Dogg. Bow Wow, previously known as Lil’ Bow Wow, claims that he had always planned to retire before the age of 30. He made the announcement via a series of social media posts.
DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber tops Trending Chart
DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber’s Let Me Love You is No. 1 on this week’s Trending Chart. MO follows at No. 2 with Final Song, with Twenty One Pilots’ Heathens at No. 3. See the Top 20 in full below.
