Charli xcx, Reading Festival review

“Time itself is a circle,” as the rock’n’roll philosopher Nietzsche once said, accurately foreshadowing Charli xcx’s only UK festival appearance this summer. Like her performance on Glastonbury’s Other Stage last year – a pyrotechnic farewell to the puke-green reign of Brat – Charli’s Reading and Leeds appearance is a not-quite-headline slot that also follows a rowdy set from grime don Skepta. As before, her sunglasses remain glued on throughout.

Fears that KATSEYE's world tour could be canceled

They're set to embark on a grueling world tour in a matter of days, but fans are now concerned that KATSEYE won't make it to the stage.

Perrie Edwards splits with manager and record label after 15 years together

PERRIE Edwards has parted ways with Sony and Modest Management after 15 years, sources tell The Sun.

Paul Heaton scores first number one album as Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 finally reaches top 40

English singer-songwriter Paul Heaton has scored his first solo UK number one album, his sixth overall.

Blossoms new song about Manchester to Stockport 192 bus route

Stockport indie band Blossoms has released a new song inspired by Greater Manchester's No. 192 bus.

Reading and Leeds have dropped BBC Introducing for a new ‘nepo baby stage’. Where does it leave DIY artists?

As R&L replace the BBC’s unsigned artists stage with one filled with rock scions and a Simon Cowell boyband, many are decrying disappearing opportunities for grassroots acts

Brian May and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons honor late star with new single

It’s been a sad month for rock star deaths. Alongside Dolly Parton, ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard left us and now his bandmate Billy Gibbons has collaborated on a new single with Sir Brian May honouring the late Steve Cropper. The Blues Brothers band member died less than a year ago, but alongside The Midnight Hour, he recorded the album Watching The Tide prior to his death. The Queen guitarist was already working with Steve on a track, but after he died, it evolved into the soulful ballad My Angels Are Calling. Sporting a cowboy hat, Brian is on his own-penned vocals from Steve’s point of view, alongside Billy with a guitar solo towards the end.

US Rapper Cancels Gig Hours Before Start After Crew Member’s Death in Accident

US rapper J.Cole has cancelled his show in northern California after one of his crew members tragically died in a major highway crash.

Add to playlist: the spectral, fathoms-deep folksong of June McDoom and the week’s best new tracks

Rich harmonies mix with synth, harp and aquatic grace on the intriguing first single from the New York songwriter’s debut album

BBCSSO/Runnicles review

Usher Hall, Edinburgh Colliding complex and contrasting moods, Mahler’s Das Klagende Lied was rendered with clarity and conviction

ITV's The Voice singer shares journey from foster care to stage

A singer who spent part of his childhood growing up in foster care says making it through the blind auditions of The Voice UK felt like a "pinch me" moment.

How Katseye became the world’s biggest girl group

Their raucous pop music has made Katseye the biggest girl band in two decades. Can they weather toxic fandom, critical pans and a dwindling member count?