It includes the band's only known recording of the track Sunshine Woman. The session recording has been restored with help from guitarist Jimmy Page for inclusion on a new compilation. The Complete BBC Sessions, which will be released in September, is a remastered update of a 1997 collection of tracks recorded for the BBC between 1969 and 1971. It includes eight previously unreleased recordings, including the first broadcast of Stairway To Heaven, from the BBC Paris Cinema in London on 1 April 1971.
Rare recordings of eccentric pioneering radio DJ Kenny Everett broadcast on local radio in Portsmouth in the 1970s have been unearthed. The programmes, presumed lost, were recorded by Everett for early commercial station, Radio Victory. They feature his trademark homemade sound effects and jingles.
Former presenter Andy Ferris who discovered the reels said they showed Everett was "relentless in his pursuit of entertainment". They include his creations Sing-along-with-the-Beatles, The Backward Contest and sci-fi hero Captain Kremmen. Everett's wife at the time, Lee Everett Alkin, remembers him recording shows at their home in Sussex, using multi-track recorders to achieve what were ground-breaking effects for the time. "I'd be having tea with someone and all of sudden you'd hear all these sound effects - horrendous bloodcurdling screams - from down the corridor. So in the end we sound-proofed him!"
Bowie on Stage - Lazarus, a new stage musical featuring the songs of David Bowie, is to open in London this autumn. Inspired by the book, The Man Who Fell To Earth, the show premiered last November in New York Theatre Workshop - just a few weeks before Bowie's death in January. Bowie co-wrote the show with Irish playwright Enda Walsh, the award-winning writer of Once. It will run at the Kings Cross Theatre from 25 October to 22 January 2017.
Trumped - Paul Rodgers, co-writer of Free's Seventies hit All Right Now has called in his lawyers after Donald Trump used the song to end his presidential nomination speech to the Republican Party's convention. In a tweet on Monday, Rodgers wrote, "Permission to use All Right Now" was never sought for or granted by me. My lawyer is dealing with this matter. - Paul."
Croydon Closure - The charity that runs Croydon's Fairfield Halls has gone into administration three days after the venue closed for a major two-year redevelopment. It leaves a question mark over the future operation of the arts centre, as Fairfield Croydon claimed in February it would be engaged in the Halls' future operations. More than 220 staff have been made redundant by the closure of Fairfield Halls, which is owned by Croydon Council and is now undergoing a £30m refurbishment that will create new, adaptable spaces for theatre and other performances.
Palace Revival - Alexandra Palace has started a £1m fundraising campaign to bring its Victorian theatre back to life after lying unused for 80 years. It is hoped the theatre, founded in 1875, will be used for theatrical performances, cinema screenings, comedy and live music. The BBC studios, at the eastern end of the Palace, will also be repaired and refurbished. If successful in raising funds it is hoped the theatre will reopen in 2018.
Music Scholarships - Andrew Lloyd Webber has pledged £15,000 through his foundation to help young musicians from disadvantaged backgrounds in London. The money will support two years of music scholarships for eight primary school pupils in London, as part of the Mayor's Music Fund scholarship scheme. An additional £500 will go towards ongoing funding for young musician Charlie Browne, who has previously taken part in the scholarship scheme. Foundation trustee Madeleine Lloyd Webber said the funding would offer its recipients "high-quality tuition and inspirational musical opportunities". "This is the heart of our mission, and I a delighted to announce support for a further two years of scholarships under their banner," she added.
In The Money - Taylor Swift has become the world's highest paid celebrity after raking in $170m (£131m) last year. The pop star's huge earnings put her ahead of fellow chart-toppers Adele at number nine on the Forbes list with $80.5m, Madonna at 12 with $76.5m, Rihanna at 13 with $75m and Katy Perry at 63 with $41m. One Direction came second after earning $110m which should tide them over while they enjoy a hiatus from making music. Swift's ex, the Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, pulled in $63m, according to the list.
(Jim Evans)
