News and Reviews

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Splash the cash and bring £35m Andy back! Pardew begs Ashley to seal Carroll's return

Alan Pardew has challenged owner Mike Ashley to ramp up Newcastle's bid for Andy Carroll and bring the unsettled £35million striker back to St James' Park.

The 50-year-old Toon boss is keen to secure the England international's return just 18 months after he sold him for a British transfer record fee to Liverpool.

Newcastle had an approach to take the England international on a season-long loan firmly rebuffed by Liverpool on Sunday night but they will now be expected to come back with another offer after receiving encouraging noises from Carroll’s entourage.

Bring Andy home: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wants Mike Ashley to finance Carroll's return from Liverpool

Homecoming: Carroll looks set for a switch back to Newcastle

West Ham United, Fulham and Aston Villa have all stated their interest to varying degrees but it would appear Carroll would only want to go back to the North East.

And it seems likely that the success or otherwise of Newcastle's approach will come down to finance as much as anything else, but Pardew, currently in Germany with his squad at their pre-season training camp, admits that has little to do with him.

'That whole process is a little bit more involved with the chairman and the board at Liverpool,' Pardew told the Evening Chronicle.

'We have got a great team here, a great squad, and if Andy Carroll comes, it will only add to us.

'Annoyed': Carroll wanted the chance to impress Brendan Rodgers

'It's simple, really. Sometimes transfers are done at corporate level. I'm slightly detached from that. It will be what it will be.

'It's been said that he's available and if we are involved, then we will be involved because of the figures, not anything else, because we know he's good enough.'

Newcastle launched their attempt to re-sign the man they sold to Liverpool in January last year after it emerged that he was not a central figure in new Reds boss Rodgers' plans for the new season.

Carroll was not among the party which flew out on the club's North American tour on Monday, although he was never intended to be after being given an extended break following his trip to the Euro 2012 finals with England.

The player, who insists he does not want to leave Anfield, has indicated he would be prepared to make a temporary switch back to St James' Park, where he made his name, although Liverpool are understood to be ready only to contemplate a permanent transfer.

According to an unnamed friend, who was quoted in Monday’s Newcastle Evening Chronicle, Carroll is annoyed that he hasn’t had an opportunity to impress Rodgers.

‘From a professional point of view Andy is miffed that he wasn’t given the chance to show what he can do in front of new manager Brendan Rodgers,’ a close friend of Carroll’s said.

Acrimonious departure: Carroll upset Magpies fans when he left in January 2011

‘He was expecting to get at least pre-season to show what he could offer him. He ended last season on a high and wanted to continue that.

‘Now Newcastle are interested and Andy wants to come home. He’s already told Liverpool that too. He’s surprised Liverpool don’t want him anymore and doesn’t want to be where he is not wanted.’

Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer believes returning to Tyneside would be a 'great move' for Carroll.

The 41-year-old said in The Sun: 'Andy is an England centre-forward and I wouldn't say he has been a flop at Liverpool by any means.

'Yes, it took him a bit of time to settle there but he finished the season strongly and considering he only started one game at the Euros, I thought he did well.

Improving: Carroll scored for England at Euro 2012 after an indifferent season for Liverpool

'Make no mistake, he is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move.

'When he was there before he benefited from the fact that the team was always working to get him the ball - and he thrived on that. That hasn't always been the case at Liverpool and perhaps at times he suffered.'

He added: 'There is an old saying that you should never go back but, in Andy's case, I don't think it would be a mistake at all.

Reunion: Alan Pardew managed Carroll for a short spell in 2010-11

'He was hero-worshipped by the crowd first time around and they would warm to him again. Andy loved playing there and whatever the fans felt about him leaving to join Liverpool, I'm sure he would win them over quickly.'

However, Liverpool's valuation, thought to be in the region of £20million, is significantly in excess of the Magpies', and whether or not that gap can be bridged could prove to be the crux of the matter.

Sourced: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2174804/Andy-Carroll-latest-Newcastle-boss-Alan-Pardew-asks-Mike-Ashley-sign-Liverpool-striker.html

Sunday, 15 July 2012

The Amazing Spider-Man: One and Done at Box Office?

The Amazing Spiderman, Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield

Columbia Pictures

The Amazing Spider-Man has gone where no Spider-Man movie has gone before: to second place in its second weekend.

But box-office standings aside, the Andrew Garfield-Emma Stone reboot held well, reaching $200 million domestically and soaring past $500 million worldwide.

The latest Ice Age sequel, Continental Drift, debuted, as expected, at No. 1.

COMIC-CON SCOOP: Man of Steel update

Here's a complete look at the weekend's top movies, per Friday-Sunday domestic estimates as reported by the studios and Exhibitor Relations:

Ice Age: Contiental Drift, $46 million
The Amazing Spider-Man, $35 million
Ted, $22.1 million
Brave, $10.7 million
Magic Mike, $9 million
Savages, $8.7 million
Madea's Witness Protection, $5.6 million
Katy Perry: Part of Me, $3.7 million
Moonrise Kingdom, $3.66 million
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, $3.5 million

Sourced: http://uk.eonline.com/news/330306/the-amazing-spider-man-one-and-done-at-box-office

Panto villains Haye and Chisora perfect for WWE

David Haye and Dereck ChisoraTrudging through rain and empty cans on the post-midnight walk towards Upton Park tube station, The Pugilist couldn't help but wonder just how many World Wrestling Entertainment DVDs Frank Warren had run through in the last six months.

From the moment Dereck Chisora and David Haye provoked gasps in Munich with a host of outside interference, foreign objects and profanity-laced rants, there was a distinct 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin aura to proceedings — and that was before the steel cages were dragged out for press conferences.

For some reason, however, the scheduling of an in-ring confrontation between the two British boxers — the traditional end destination of all good rasslin' storylines — was met by a massive backlash.

Yes, the two were nothing short of a joke in Germany between Chisora's desperate attempts to start fires at every opportunity and Haye's shameless attempt to turn a turn as guest analyst into a 'shocking' challenge of a Klitschko (against whom he may actually be able to land a punch or two), but punishments were doled out and their reputations suitably tarnished.

That Warren, a regular flame-haired Vince McMahon, capitalised on obvious interest in the pairing was smart business. Don't want to watch the two clowns tussle? Don't order it. Nobody on the promotional team was guilty of picking pockets here.

Even the Luxembourg loop-hole was just that — a loop-hole — and if anything further cemented the card as a sporting sideshow, not an actual ranking event of any prestige.

Much like when now-actors Steve Austin and long-time 'nemesis' Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson faced off at a packed Houston Astrodome in front of 67,925 paying fans for a WWE Wrestlemania event in 2001, I doubt a single soul in attendance actually believed the two actually hated each other, or that the winner would actually be regarded as a better athlete for it.

Within seconds of arrival at West Ham's Boleyn Ground for the card on Saturday evening, the ambience was much more akin to that of a professional performance card than a world-class sporting contest: from the set-up to the atmosphere of the crowd, all the way to convincing Michael Buffer (who has supplemented his boxing income announcing wrestling events for years) to favour the card over Khan-Garcia at Mandalay Bay and the over-abundance of 'Hayemaker' merchandise stands, which proved as obnoxious as a sea of John Cena apparel.

Only one element served as a major concern, not just across the ringside press quarters but also throughout a crowd who had paid top money for the evening on admission, booze and merch and were braving the miserable 'summer' elements: would the performers in this case actually perform?

Once the boxers made their arrival and Buffer did his thing, with Haye as expected playing the 'hero' in the eyes of the audience compared to Chisora's 'heel', the two unlicensed fighters could easily have gone all out with the Summerslam tribute and grappled aimlessly for ten rounds. Their money was in the bank, and their World title aspirations were already bleak.

Thankfully, both men appeared to have something to prove and came out swinging in the rain, as the media area began doubling up on ponchos — one for themselves, one for their poor equipment.

(Warren, by the way, appeared to be having far too much fun throwing the complimentary rain covers out to the affected fans for a middle-aged businessman…)

Though Haye was the better boxer by some distance, his Chris Jericho-like facial animations from wide-eyed grinning for connecting a flush combo to pouty-lipped smugness in evading Del Boy's lunging hammers gained a new dimension in round three as Chisora connected with the type of shots he spent the entire contest hoping to land, and David's uncomfortable grimaces made you wonder how many of those he would be able to take.

Fortunately for Haye there wouldn't be an opportunity to find out: a fifth-round left-hook, thrown almost in desperation as he slumped on the ropes, did what his educated flurries in the centre of the ring could not and dropped the lumbering bad guy. It was a moment trainer Adam Booth has been working on with Haye for years, with just one previous success; and it was a moment reminiscent of Hulk Hogan bodyslamming the latest behemoth to ride into town after momentarily looking troubled.

The ovation at the decision after five thumping rounds proved beyond doubt that the event was by no means a rip-off — especially combined with Liam Walsh's emotional victory on the undercard — and that there is a place in boxing for the pantomime. Nowhere near the World title picture, hopefully, but a place nonetheless.

The fact remains that wrestling is currently a profession in decline after a big mainstream kick at the turn of the millennium. That's not because the world only just discovered that the 'sport' was pre-determined and embellished for maximum interest 10 years ago — it's because the quality of finales at marquee events is often poor these days. The same cannot be said of Haye-Chisora.

Of course, Haye's sole victory after a year of excuses, interruptions and a miserable performance at the highest stage immediately had his tail back up and talk soon followed of challenging Vitali — the very concept which began all of this, back in February.

"I'll be surprised if Vitali Klitschko wants to fight me after that," Haye snorted afterwards, perhaps thinking that Haye's performance against Wladimir had escaped the older brother's mind.

"He will no doubt try to fight some chump nobody has ever heard of and then retire to be a politician," added the Londoner, in a wonderful piece of self-fulfilling prophecy with Vitali's next defence against unknown Manuel Charr a month before Ukrainian elections announced long ago.

And if there was one big downside to the Upton Park fight, it is that Haye's laughably high opinion of his own stature has well and truly returned. If he is able to regain a proper boxing license, an attempt to pick at the weakest link of the World title chain in the form of Vitali or Manuel Charr — just as he had done when dethroning Nikolai Valuev — will no doubt follow.

And just like that, a renewed taste of the big time with an eye on gold turned the hero into the 'heel'.

The Pugilist suggests that, should Haye's efforts to make a mockery of his 'retirement' vows — another classic trick of the professional wrestler — hit a stumbling block, that his showmanship and cocky monologues would go down a treat in the other squared circle.

Indeed, Haye could quite easily follow in the footsteps of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather, Thomas Hearns and even Danny Williams in turning a quick profit as a sports-entertainment personality.

If anything, six months of 'feuding' with Chisora — which of course, ended in the Sonnen-Silva sudden resolution and subsequent buddying up — should serve as the perfect audition for a guest spot at a WWE Raw event the next time they pop over to Blighty for another European tour.

As for Chisora, the slugger did the right thing in showing humility in defeat, thus drawing a line under his ill-advised attempts to drum up interest in both the Vitali and Haye fights. It's safe to say, though, that his hopes of fighting at a world level again are over.

It is time for the likes of David Price and Tyson Fury — the latter having bettered the Zimbabwe-born fighter last summer — to begin their final ascents to a crack at representing the nation against the division's best. Chisora's time has passed.

Unless, of course, he wants to follow Haye into the wrestling ring. The two newfound 'pals' would form a hell of a tag team, I'm sure.

Sourced: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/the-pugilist/panto-villains-haye-chisora-perfect-wwe-114523438.html

Rio Ferdinand reignites John Terry race row by endorsing tweet calling Ashley Cole a 'choc ice'

- Twitter user brands Cole a 'choc ice' - often understood to mean 'black on the outside, white on the inside' - for defending John Terry in trial

- Terry was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence after being accused of calling Rio's brother Anton a 'f****** black c***' during a match

- Rio today tweets that he was not being racist adding term is used 'for someone who is being fake'

Rio Ferdinand has reignited the John Terry racism row by appearing to endorse a Twitter attack on fellow England footballer Ashley Cole.

Ferdinand, whose brother Anton accused Terry of racist abuse during a Premier League match, publicly supported a tweet that referred to Cole as a 'choc ice'.

The comment was made only days after Terry was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence after a trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court, at which his Chelsea team-mate Cole gave evidence as a defence witness.

The term 'choc ice' is often understood to mean 'black on the outside, white on the inside'.

This morning Rio Ferdinand had deleted his tweet of endorsement, but he insisted that the term referred to someone who was fake and did not have any racist connotations.

Ashley Cole, pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court in London where John Terry was acquired of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand

Race row: Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, left, is facing criticism after apparently endorsing a Twitter attack branding Ashley Cole, right, a 'choc ice' for being a defence witness in John Terry's race abuse trial

After the 'choc ice' comment was widely criticised by Twitter users, the Manchester United defender, who has more than three million followers, wrote: 'What I said yesterday is not a racist term.

'Its (sic) a type of slang/term used by many for someone who is being fake. So there.'

It comes after Terry was cleared of subjecting Rio Ferdinand's brother Anton, a Queens Park Rangers defender, to a volley of racist abuse during a Premier League match last October.

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The Twitter exchange began when someone sent Rio Ferdinand a tweet about Cole's involvement in the trial.

The person wrote: 'Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice.

'Then again he's always been a sell out.

'Shame on him.'

Laughing off: Rio Ferdinand appears to endorse the tweet branding Ashley Cole a 'choc ice' by responding: 'I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic. Hahahahahahhha!!'

Rio Ferdinand today said his retweet was not racist

Rio, who played with Terry at the heart of England's defence and whose parents attended every day of the five-day trial in support of his brother, replied: 'I hear you fella!

'Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!'

After Twitter users began reacting to the comments, Ferdinand wrote: 'And if I want to laugh at something someone tweets....I will! Hahahahaha! Now stop getting ya knickers in a twist!'

Cole, who told the court he was a long-standing friend of the Ferdinand brothers, later sought to calm the situation and issued a statement through his lawyers.

It said: 'Ashley Cole has been made aware of the discussion following comments appearing on Twitter and wishes to make it clear that he and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and Ashley has no intention of making any sort of complaint.

Key moment: Terry and QPR's Anton Ferdinand clash during the Barclays Premier League match at Loftus Road

'Ashley appreciates that Tweeting is so quick it often results in off-hand and stray comments.'

The original tweet was believed to have been made by a man from Derbyshire.

A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman today said the force had received no complaints over the matter.

Prosecutors alleged that Terry had maliciously called Anton Ferdinand a 'f****** black c***' during a match on October 23 last year.

Terry was said to have made the comments after being taunted over his affair with team-mate Wayne Bridge’s girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

The Chelsea captain admitted calling Anton Ferdinand a ‘f****** black c***’ and a ‘f****** k***head’ as they squared up on the pitch at Loftus Road. However he was only responding to words already spoken by Anton Ferdinand.

Relieved: The former England captain was flanked by security guards as he left the court after being cleared

Mobbed: Terry made no comment as he left the court building to shouts of support from crowds waiting outside

Terry, 31, claimed he was simply repeating the words after being falsely accused of saying them.

Terry claimed that, as the pair traded insults, he heard Ferdinand say: ‘Calling me a black c***?’, and that he replied: ‘A black c***? You f****** k***head.’

The players met in the Chelsea changing room after the match and shook hands, writing it all off as ‘handbags’ and on-pitch ‘banter’.

Even when he was shown footage of the incident on YouTube, Anton Ferdinand did nothing.

But an off-duty police officer watching on TV, who claimed to be able to lip read, complained to the Metropolitan Police that a racially-aggravated offence had taken place.

In the weeks that followed Terry was stripped of the England captaincy and lost a fortune in sponsorship deals. England manager Fabio Capello resigned in a row over the move.

Cole gave evidence for his Chelsea and England team-mate during the trial and told the court that the case should not have gone ahead.

Anton Ferdinand, pictured leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court after giving evidence accused Terry of racially abusing him

‘We shouldn’t be sitting here,’ Cole said.

He said that while racism should never be tolerated, saying back what you thought someone said was ‘completely different’.

Cole said he did not hear what Terry said to Ferdinand despite being only about a car-length away from the row.

But he said he saw Ferdinand shouting either the word ‘black’ or ‘Bridgey’ – an apparent reference to Wayne Bridge – and make a lewd gesture at Terry.

Cole said he told Ferdinand: ‘What you’re doing to JT [Terry] is out of order’. He added that he did not shake Ferdinand’s hand after the game.

The left-back said abuse towards Terry over his affair with Miss Perroncel was commonplace during games, but he had never seen him react to it, explaining: ‘He would probably laugh about it, it’s part and parcel of the game and you get used to it.’

Cole was supported by a host of football stars, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and the club's former manager Jose Mourinho, who vouched that Terry was not racist.

Cole described Terry as a good friend and a great captain.

Not present: QPR footballer Anton Ferdinand, pictured leaving Heathrow for a tour of the Far East, was not in court for the verdict

He said: ‘He’s one of the best, very inspirational. He gets the team going in big games. He’s cool, calm and collected.’

Terry was acquitted on Friday. Ferdinand was not at the hearing as he was flying from Heathrow with the QPR squad for a pre-season tour of the Far East.

Chief magistrate Howard Riddle, who is also a district judge, said there was not enough evidence to prove ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ that Terry was guilty.

He said TV footage did not show the complete exchange, meaning it was impossible to be sure exactly what was said.

‘In those circumstances, there being a doubt, the only verdict the court can record is one of not guilty,’ the magistrate said.

He added: 'There is no doubt that John Terry uttered the words 'f****** black c***' at Anton Ferdinand. When he did so he was angry.

'Mr Ferdinand says that he did not precipitate this comment by himself, accusing Mr Terry of calling him a black c***.

'Even with all the help the court has received from television footage, expert lip readers, witnesses and indeed counsel, it is impossible to be sure exactly what were the words spoken by Mr Terry at the relevant time.'

Both Terry and Anton Ferdinand could face disciplinary action after the FA decided to reopen its inquiry into the incident.

The FA, who had a lawyer attending every day of the trial, said they would look at the findings of the court case before deciding whether or not to bring any proceedings against the players.

The FA will decide whether Terry should still be charged with using abusive and insulting words and with making reference to Ferdinand’s ethnic origin and colour.

Ferdinand could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute for the comments he made during the exchange.

Court scene: Chief magistrate Howard Riddle, who is also a district judge, said there was not enough evidence to prove 'beyond reasonable doubt' that Terry was guilty

Charges can still be brought by the FA against Terry even thought he was acquitted in court because they have a lower burden of proof - Liverpool's Luis Suarez was banned last season for racially abusing Patrice Evra but that case never went to court.

In a brief statement an FA spokesman said: 'The FA notes the decision in the John Terry case and will now seek to conclude its own enquiries.'

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, says revelations about the obscene remarks which are exchanged during matches have damaged the game's reputation.

Taylor has urged the FA to ensure that players understand their responsibilities as role models next season.

He also suggested the FA are in 'a difficult position' over whether they charge Terry.

Taylor said: 'It has been an unedifying process and the game has been damaged as a result of the dirty linen being washed in public.

Even if he had been convicted, Terry would have faced a fine of just £2,500, a fraction of his reported £130,000 weekly wage.

But taxpayers will pick up a bill of up to £500,000 for the prosecution.

Sourced: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2173750/John-Terry-racism-row-Rio-Ferdinand-accused-row-Twitter-attack-Ashley-Cole.html

Eastenders party girl Shona McGarty suspended from soap without pay following repeated lateness

Eastenders star Shona McGarty has been suspended from the soap following repeated lateness.

The actress, 20, will cool her heels for four weeks having been sent home on Thursday.

Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, has also been fined thousands of pounds to cover the cost of paying crew overtime when her behaviour has delayed filming.

Suspended without pay: Eastenders star Shona McGarty has been sent off set for four weeks following repeated lateness

Other cast members have reportedly found Shona's tardiness irritating, as it has often held up progress on important scenes.

According to the Daily Star a BBC source revealed: 'Shona failed to turn up on time on more than one occasion and was really laid back about why she was late.'

'People are understanding when it’s once or even twice but her lateness was becoming a huge problem.'

Disruptive: Shona's tardiness regularly held up progress on vital scenes

Disruptive: Shona's tardiness regularly held up progress filming vital scenes

'It regularly held up the filming of vital scenes and angered fellow cast and crew members who were forced to work late because of her.'

'Like all soaps, everyone works long, hard days so when things are prolonged because of one person it doesn’t go down well on set.'

Shona was sent to see executive producer Lorraine Newman, who gave her the news that she was suspended without pay.

She is said to be very unhappy, and have apologised for her lack of professionalism.

Sees the error of her ways: Shona is said to be unhappy with the news and to have apologised

Shona has seen her character Whitney involved in some of the show's most controversial storylines since her arrival in 2008.

Whitney has been groomed by her mother's paedophile boyfriend, her own pimp lover, and seen her boyfriend die from alcohol poisoning.

The actress has previously been in hot water after she and her boyfriend, fellow cast member Matt Lapinskas- who plays her on-screen boyfriend's Anthony Moon- were asked to leave an Asda when he smeared her with yoghurt.

Sourced: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2173789/Eastenders-Shona-McGarty-suspended-soap-repeated-lateness.html

Nicole Scherzinger to ditch Lewis Hamilton over penthouse party?

Watch out Lewis: Nicole Scherzinger arrives back in London (Picture: PA)

She may have just touched down in London for the boot camp phase of the upcoming series of X Factor, but singing is the last thing on the former Pussycat Doll's mind.

Sources close to Nicole say that she is gunning for Lewis and is unsure whether she wants their romance to continue in light of his penthouse shindig with a bevy of babes.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, the source said: 'Nicole has been humiliated and she’s not going to be a pushover. To say she is livid is an understatement.

Lewis Hamilton was spotted appearing to kiss a mystery female (Picture: Xposurephotos.com)

'She’s not sure there’s any point continuing with the relationship and believes his heart isn’t in it. Lewis’ behaviour this week could be the final nail in the coffin'.

This week, reports surfaced that Lewis invited ten ladies back to his penthouse suite at the Mayfair Hotel after partying in London for eight hours.

Hamilton was also pictured in the lobby of a Central London hotel kissing a woman as a male friend and another mystery female looked on.

Lewis (far left) waits in a lobby of a hotel after partying the night away (Picture: Xposurephotos.com)

A spokesman for the F1 star explained at the time that the pair are ‘very good friends’ and that there was ‘nothing in it’.

The former Pussycat Dolls singer has not been pictured with Hamilton since they celebrated her 34th birthday in London on June 30.

The couple have been on and off since they started dating in 2007, splitting for a short time in 2010 and 2011 to focus on their respective careers

Plug pulled on Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney at Hard Rock Calling

Photo: PA

Bruce Springsteen was joined onstage by Paul McCartney as he brought the second night of Hard Rock Calling to a close yesterday evening (July 14), but their set was cut shot when organisers turned off their microphones after they broke the venue's sound curfew.

McCartney joined the rock legend onstage for 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'Twist And Shout', the final songs in Springsteen's 29-song set, which lasted three and a quarter hours in total. But organisers pulled the plug on the encore while The Boss and Macca were trying to address the crowd, rendering them inaudible to the disbelief of the audience.

Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt took to Twitter after the show to voice his disapproval:

The guitarist wasn't alone in voicing his disapproval of the decision; writing on Twitter, actor Simon Pegg said: "Can't believe they pulled the plug on Springsteen and Macca last night in Hyde Park. What joyless, bitter killjoy made that decision? #shame", while his fellow comedian Stephen Merchant added: "Ashamed to be British right now. Springsteen and McCartney playing Twist & Shout in Hyde Park and council pulled the plug cos of curfew. WTF"
?

Before the controversial ending, the show had also featured appearances by John Fogerty and Tom Morello. Fogerty played on 'The Promised Land' and Morello joined in on the songs from the 'Wrecking Ball' album he's featured on, as well as 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad'.

The show also included a version of rarity 'Take 'Em As They Come', from 'The River' era, which was requested by a fan in the front row. Springsteen has only played this song live nine times before, with the last occasion being on June 14, 2003 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Earlier in the day, Bruce had also joined John Fogerty during his support set on 'Rockin' All Over The World' (a song Fogerty wrote).

As well as the pulling of the plug early, the triumphant show was also marred by extremely quiet sound throughout, with many of the 70,000-strong audience complaining that they could not hear the show properly. Many of the disgruntled punters took to Twitter after the show to express their disappointment:

Bruce Springsteen played:

'Thunder Road'
'Badlands'
'We Take Care of Our Own'
'Wrecking Ball'
'Death To My Hometown'
'My City Of Ruins'
'Spirit In The Night'
'The Promised Land'
'Take 'Em As They Come
Jack Of All Trades'
'Empty Sky'
'Because The Night'
'Johnny 99'
'Darlington County'
'Workin' On The Highway'
'Shackled & Drawn'
'Waitin on a Sunny Day'
'Raise Your Hand'
'The River'
'The Ghost of Tom Joad'
'The Rising'
'Land of Hope And Dreams'
'We Are Alive'
'Born In The USA'
'Born To Run'
'Glory Days'
'Dancing In The Dark'
'I Saw Her Standing There'
'Twist And Shout'

Sourced: http://www.nme.com/news/bruce-springsteen/64923

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Sunday, 15 July 2012

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