Sparkling in the September sunshine, Islington is the spitting image of a Grand Theft Auto mission. Pedestrians shuffle about at an annoyingly slow pace, inadequate drivers threaten to flatten all who dare to venture near the the curb, and has that guy got a gun in his pocket? Nope, he's just happy to see me. It's the perfect setting for this particular musical bloodbath.

“Slipknot have three drummers; that's why it's all so fast.” Many a time has this phrase been uttered by uneducated mouths. While Shawn Crahan may have been there right at the inception of the Iowan behemoth, his main job on stage is to dick about on top of a metal keg. Slipknot's inhuman BPM count is provided almost entirely by man-machine Joey Jordison. Since rising to fame as part of the masked nine, he's gone on to drum with Korn, Ministry, and Satyricon among others. To call the man a workaholic is a gross understatement.

Melanie Chisholm has announced details of a very special birthday party. The night before Sporty turns 40, Melanie and her band will be playing a live show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Jake Bugg has announced a brand new album, ‘Shangri La’, as well as details of its lead single What Doesn’t Kill You.

Connan Mockasin has unveiled 2014 UK dates as well as details of a new track from his forthcoming album 'Caramel'.

Live Nation has issued a statement confirming that new sponsors are being sought following Hard Rock's decision to pull out of the annual Hard Rock Calling festival in London.

Manchester rockers Nine Black Alps have announced dates for a short November UK tour.

MIA has issued a response to the NFL after the sports league sued her for using a middle finger gesture during a performance at the Super Bowl.

Little Mix have announced that they’re working with Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts.

Canadian rapper Drake has revealed he’s worked with hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan on a track.

Armed with a catalogue of hits, crooner Barry Manilow has announced dates for a UK tour in 2014.

Music magazine NME will be trialling a brand new payment scheme on its website, which will allow online users to read its magazine’s featured articles for a charge.

Hard Rock International have confirmed that they will not stage the Hard Rock Calling festival in 2014. A statement announcing the decision confirmed that “the brand has been privileged and honoured to host” the festival, which has taken place in London over the last eight years.

Alter Bridge are currently streaming their new album 'Fortress' for UK fans over at MetalHammer.co.uk

Geddy Lee has ruled out the possibility of Rush touring to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neil Peart joining the band.

Tinie Tempah has released the official music video for his latest single Children Of The Sun.

Dance producer Zedd has unveiled the video for his track Stay The Night, which features vocals from Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams.

Martine McCutcheon is set to return to a career in music after a number of years out of the spotlight.

Cher has unveiled plans for the North American leg of her Dress to Kill world tour - and a UK announcement could be on the way!

Rap star Eminem has unveiled the artwork behind his anticipated new album ’The Marshall Mathers LP 2’.