ONE of the most significant dates in the US calendar and the centrepiece of American football, the Superbowl will this year be dominated by an English band.
Every year the coveted slot of the 'half time show' means that an artist will get to perform in front of a coast to coast television audience of around 115 million viewers. To say it's a lucrative booking is the understatement of the year.
This year's gig, which features Coldplay, takes place in California next month. It will eventually be screened worldwide too and Chris Martin is attempting to make it a show to remember by inviting both Beyonce and Rihanna to join the band on stage for a couple of songs. Oh and there's an American football match going on at some point during the event too.
MAN WITH A PURPOSE
Justin Bieber has started 2016 like he ended 2015 topping a variety of charts around the world. His new song Love Yourself, featuring Ed Sheeran is now number one and get this, Bieber now proudly possesses three songs in the UK top five.
His new album Purpose is also flying high across the world. This remarkable renaissance of Bieber just seemed to appear out of nowhere as if someone had simply turned on a tap and out came a huge outpouring of love for a child pop sensation whose star had seemingly set.
One minute the focus was on a troubled and somewhat lost soul who was allegedly throwing eggs at a neighbour's house and the next, all things Bieber were cool.
A line has now been crossed – grown men with beards will now happily ask DJs to play Bieber's What Do You Mean while guitar players will enthusiastically sit working out the chords to Love Yourself. Something very strange is afoot – maybe the force is strong with that one.
LEVEL BEST
Level 42 are back with a date in the diary for a Belfast show. The band who over the years knocked out some excellent tracks such as Something About You, Lessons in Love and, best of all, Hot Water, will play The Waterfront Hall on Saturday October 1.
Apart from making some sublime pop music Level 42 have always been famous for frontman Mark King's amazing bass guitar skills – a feature that meant that even if you didn't actually like a particular song you could always simply marvel at the dexterity.
The guys have recently finished up a sold-out European and UK tour and to date have sold more than 30 million albums. Tickets are on sale now.
