Glastonbury turbulence
What a week it's been down on Worthy farm. Last November, Michael Eavis could barely contain himself in predicting that U2's headline slot would be Glastonbury's most memorable. This week it was confirmed that Bono's back injury, sustained during rehearsals, was so severe the band would have to cancel their performance. Speculation soon turned to a possible replacement: would Dizzee Rascal be bumped up to prime position? Would Kylie finally make her debut? In the end, Damon Albarn saved the day with Gorillaz. Reaction on our site was mixed (surprising that, isn't it?), but if you're expecting a Glasto ticket in the post and you're disappointed about U2 cancelling, remember this: Coldplay were only a phonecall away.
Five things we learned this week
That Kanye West likes prog-rock
If you value privacy, don't cross MIA
Arizona's new immigration policy is still annoying musicians
Janelle Monae has many fans among our readers
That the National are nothing like Joy Division, or are they?
Dancing in the street
Martha Reeves is one impressive lady. Not only does she sing on some of Motown's finest hits, but the Detroit native is now a councillor for the beleaguered city. Her campaign slogan was: "I did it and so can you." She turned her life around to achieve great success despite difficult circumstances. Benjamin Ferguson met Reeves in her hometown, and heard how she believes that the Motown spirit is what Detroit needs now. "I'm sure our intention with Dancing in the Street was to calm people and have them stop rioting and looting stores. It's all about people coming together." Reeves offers a story of hope despite decades of difficulty, and her involvement in the community and vision for change is inspiring.
