NIKKI GRAHAME PUTS THE FINAL NAIL IN COFFIN FOR SUPERGRASS

AS IF the end of Supergrass wasn't enough to contend with ex Big Brother housemate Nikki Grahame recently decided to pay her own mangled tribute to them.
Appearing at The Monarch, in Chalk Farm Road, Camden, and billed as being something like Phoebe from Friends, she did her best to sing five whole Supergrass songs backed by a band before tripping into her own acoustic "material".
For all those who were lucky enough to miss this car crash show, some lucky witness has managed to capture it all on camera.
Is she more Phoebe or Gaz?

WIRELESS SET TO ELECTRIFY?

THERE were some great scenes of rebellion at last year's Wireless Festival as we joined the scramble to break into the tent to catch The Streets during one of the most memorable and sweltering performances of the weekend.
And there's sure to be as many equally unforgettable moments this year with a line-up of huge draws including Jay-Z, Pink, LCD Soundsystem, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott and 2ManyDjs.

Wireless, sponsored by Barclaycard (July 2 - 4), is one of the easiest festivals around, a medley of urban, indie, electro and hip-hop acts all in Hyde Park but with the power to pull huge names more usually associated with vast soulless stadiums.

Ideal for non-campers – and lazier music-lovers – there's not even a worry about transport or accommodation, as it all usually ends before the last tube leaves and well before the last clubs shut their doors.

While last year Kanye West left us cold with his immense detachment, Basement Jaxx's star shone bright with a euphoric carnival performance.
We're not expecting a repeat of West's vacant show this year, as Jay-Z headlines the Sunday night, a US rap giant who knows how to play the crowd.

Another crowd pleaser with a mammoth voice is Pink, or is that P!ink?
Her gravity-defying feats at the Grammy awards were the talk of the show, but can she top it? She headlines on the Friday night – expect a spectacle.
LCD Soundsystem and 2ManyDjs co-headline on Saturday but I'll be more interested in Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Darwin Deez and DJ Shadow.

There's so much to see over the three days, so here are my picks – Snoop Dogg (he made it into the country, the least we can do is go see him), Jay-Z (always room for an epic megastar), The Temper Trap (soaring tunes), Hockey (good indie attitude), Alphabeat (they'll smile even if it rains), DJ Shadow (to revive some hazy student memories), UNKLE (ever innovative), Missy Elliott (fierce), The Big Pink (too cool), Darwin Deez (edgy, quirky pop from the frizzy-haired, eyelinered one), The Hundred in the Hands (moody duo), Friendly Fires (lively electro), Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip (unfailingly fantastic, a must, must, MUST) and Devlin (Dagenham MC with a good brand of dark hip-hop).
There's sure to be a book running on what Beth Ditto plans to wear when Gossip take to the stage so start guessing now.

Others attracting attention are celeb offspring Lily Allen and I Blame Coco, the slightly irritating The Ting Tings, rapper-turned-lounge-singer Plan B, new young darling Daisy Dares You, New Young Pony Club, Example, Chase & Status, Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah, Mr Hudson, D12 and Roll Deep.
As well as a whole list of other acts, there's a full programme of non-musical entertainment – fashion shows, talent scouts, a pampering parlour and all sorts of games.

CATCH THE DEAD WEATHER TONIGHT

THE DEAD WEATHER
CAMDEN ROUNDHOUSE

YOU wouldn't think to look at it but, when they're not hosting shocking karaoke nights the Boston Arms in Tufnell Park's got a secret attraction that pulls in the kind of names that could headline the Roundhouse.
That's why those in the know keep an eye on their listings.
Last year White Stripes man Jack White’ ultra-cool supergroup The Dead Weather played a secret gig there – and all the paps were waiting to snap the gaggle of celebs who packed in to see them.
And, with a line-up comprising Alison Mosshart (The Kills and Discount), Jack White (White Stripes and The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs and The Greenhornes) – there were a lot of famous friends.
But if you missed them there last year, there's still the chance to catch them in the arguably more comfortable surroundings of Camden Roundhouse on June 28.

GENEROUS JARVIS COCKER, SERGE'S SOUNDTRACK, N-DUBZ' "SUCCESS" + WINO POPS UP IN CAMDEN SHOCK

PROUD Camden held an extravagant birthday party on Wednesday night – to mark their second year in Camden Market’s Horse Hospital. The Delays launched their new album but didn't play live in the end - apparently due to some sort of leg injury - you can still sing boys!

Jarvis Cocker did a fantastic job hosting, posed for a photograph with me and generously stopped to listen to troubadour Joseph Strouzer play the Ballad of the Big Beautiful Woman all the way through.
His verdict: "I like it, especially how it turned out in the end, of course you won't ever get any air-time."
Strouzer said afterwards: "I guess he was referring to the ever-so subtle sexual references woven into the lyrics."

Professor Green did a brilliant job of headlining, bringing some grime vibes to the gallery, while Amy Winehouse popped up, as she does, onstage, took a spot next to the backing singers and danced along for a whole song before running off to mingle. Mumford & Sons DJed but it felt like a waste of their talents. Great night though.

• The iTunes Festival begins on July 1 at Camden Roundhouse, a month of huge names, from Tony Bennett to Ozzy Osbourne, Scissor Sisters to N-Dubz. Eighties hair rock bands Europe and Foreigner this week confirmed they play on July 25.

• The beautiful Serge Pizzorno, yes Kasabian bandana man, is lending his talents to Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding. Fielding’s summer art show, at London’s oldest cake shop Maison Bertaux, Greek Street, Soho (July 5), includes an installation with an original soundtrack by Pizzorno.

• Love Being N-Dubz – a six-part C4 documentary on Camden’s finest, with the second programme going out on Monday. Best quote so far from Dappy: “I’m a success, sir”, followed seconds later by “I’ve got an Oyster, I’m legit.”

• Juliette Lewis unveils her new album Terra Incognita – the album she’s always wanted to make – at London Borderline on June 30.

• Celebs are coming out in force to back a revival of the Finsbury Park Rise Festival, after Boris Johnson’s office pulled funding for it last year. Writer Meera Syal and Labour leadership contender Diane Abbott have joined Roots Manuva, Asian Dub Foundation, and Beardyman in their support for replacement festival UpRise: London United Against Racism (July 11). Info from www.uprise.org.uk

• Here’s an opportunity for genuine talent to impress industry giants EMI at Camden Roundhouse – 30/30, a groundbreaking youth music project for 16-25s. Over the course of September, 30/30 (30 days, 30 bands, 30 tracks) will offer 30 unsigned artists one free day’s recording time in the Round house’s EMI Live Music Studio, along with top guest producers to profes sionally record and mix their track for free.
Artists should visit www.roundhouse.org.uk/3030.

COURTNEY LOVE'S TWITTER ARMY AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING MILLIONS

COURTNEY Love's recruited an army of hackers, fans and detail geeks to help her sort out some huge financial mess - all through twitter.
Offering to pay anyone who can help her get hold of vital legal documents, Love has given out her most personal financial details online.
From what I can understand it's a complex wrangle involving Kurt Cobain's estate and her struggles over missing millions.
To someone like me, her many, many tweets make little sense but to those who have had the patience to decipher them, it seems like there's something in it.
And she's getting somewhere.
I'll add more details later. In the meantime join the twitter army @courtneyloveuk
And here's a reminder of Love in action with Hole

PENTONVILLE COCKROACHES INSPIRE THE POPES

FROM the infamous Holloway Crawl where Shane MacGowan and The Popes played 12 bars in one night, to songwriting with the cockroaches in Pentonville Prison, Paul McGuiness' life as a rock star has been
heavily centred around Islington.

As The Popes prepare to headline Holloway Arts Festival, frontman McGuinness reflects on the years spent drinking with the Irish contingent in Holloway Road's watering holes.
The Popes play the Boston Arms in Tufnell Park on June 24, where they're expected to revive song Holloway Boulevard, about the eclectic area where Mr McGuinness used to live. He came to the UK in 1980 while touring with punk band DC9.
He said: “Holloway was one of the first areas I settled in. I didn't want to go home. I felt at home here. I've a daughter who's in Ireland with her mum. When I go back, it's beautiful, fantastic, but after a week I realise why I want to leave.
“In London there's so many minorities that you can live an alternative life. Ireland has changed – it was still a bit of a third world country when I left – minority interests suffered and I felt we had that freedom in London.
“Here I really discovered my Irishness. The bands I played in were influenced by the London rock scene. I came to soak that up but the opposite happened.”
He first met future bandmate Shane MacGowan at a Pogues gig at the Pillar of Wakefield in Kings Cross and they became drinking partners.
McGuinness became a part-time roadie for The Pogues, stepping in when one member fell ill.
He said: “The best Irish music is played outside Ireland. I'd never really seen it in its raw, immigrant state, and seeing the life The Pogues injected into it made me rediscover and connect with my roots. I was present when they sacked Shane. He suggested we start up a band and The Popes started.”

The influence of Holloway Road was very much apparent in The Popes' work: “At the time Holloway Road had a fantastic rejuvenation. In the 60s it was popular with Irish people. There was a big Irish scene and a lot of old characters. Many were on their way to America and stopped off in Holloway Road, loved it and stayed. Holloway Boulevard was a bit of a joke, like Hollywood Boulevard, some used to call it “the Strip”.
“There was a period in the 80s when it started falling apart. I moved to Stoke Newington mainly because of my child, it was child-friendly. I still go back. I've still got drinking buddies there. I've noticed a whole lot of new bars opening. It's an area of rejuvenation. When we think it's on the way out it keep being replenished by the new blood
that come here.”
His fondest memory is of the Holloway Crawl with MacGowan. 
He said: “We started early in the morning, hired a bright red pick up truck, ran into each pub and played for half an hour. We ended up in Archway Tavern around midnight.”
He recalled how they would gather for lock-ins at pub The Favourite, owned by Tommy McManamon, a watering hole frequented by The Dubliners.
“It was one of the hot spots for lock-ins, Tommy would stop by and play. Many  people came before the Celtic tiger. We'd see them missing Ireland and not able to go back and that provoked much passion and emotion.
“If you look above the new shopfronts you can see the signs from the old shops, the growth from the 60s and the history. I also love the community spirit. The priest in St Gabriel's church feeds the local bohemian crowd.”
In 2005, Mr McGuinness ended up on remand in Pentonville Prison.
He said: “It was very oppressive. It's not the holiday camp it's made out to be. The cells were full of cockroaches. I used to get three little pieces of paper a week from Her Majesty to write letters. I hadn't written songs for ages and suddenly I had this new energy. I was writing in my cell in very small little handwriting.
“I tried to work out the ideas and chords in my head but the only way I could get my hands on a guitar was at the folk mass. It was the only time in my life I was first in line for mass. The priest would let me borrow it for 15 minutes. I'm very grateful to him. That was enough for me to know if I was going in the right direction. Prison was a huge positive influence for me. It woke me up and I got to sit down and take stock of all the influences I had.”
His experiences were translated into recent album Outlaw Heaven, inspired by going cold turkey in prison.
He said: “There's a euphoria when you're coming off drugs and drink. I began to imagine everyone there was my friend. Then I was thinking about Robert Johnson, Jimmy Hendrix, Phil Lynott, perhaps there's a bar in outlaw heaven or a rehearsal room where they all hang out and maybe one day I'll get to meet my favourite musicians and jam with them. You do an awful lot of dreaming when you're locked in a two-man cell for 23 hours a day.”
BLOB The Popes play the Boston Arms, 178 Junction Road, N19, on June 24, at 8pm. Tickets available on the door or at www.hollowayartsfestival.co.uk

N-DUBZ TAKE OVER YOUR TV, PRECIOUS BLACK KEYS TICKETS, GET YOUR SOCKS ON FOR MICHAEL JACKSON MEMORIAL

IF YOU'VE been lucky enough to snap up a ticket for The Black Keys at Camden Roundhouse (June 23), clutch it tight, everyone wants one and quite rightly so. 

If you’re looking to mix it up, how about some N*E*R*D* at Kentish Town Forum (June 21) – we love you Pharrell. Over at Camden Barfly there’s Aussie quartet Blackchords on June 18 and diminutive Tiny Tempah (June 21). Or if you think you can do better, how about Rockaoke at Proud Camden on June 27? Meanwhile, I need to set my TV to record the N-Dubz documentary on Channel 4 on Monday – Camden’s sure to feature heavily and these guys are always good for a laugh.

• Buskers wanted! Aspiring musicians dreaming of playing the iconic 1970s Brunswick Centre can now send in demos for consideration. All genres are welcome, see www.brunswick.co.uk/brunswicklive. Tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, acoustic pop trio Miccoli will play a special two-day gig.

• Leaping from Verdi to Erasure, Britney Spears to Peggy Lee via Jacques Brel, Judy Garland, Kylie Minogue, and Soft Cell, London Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing the stunning Seven Deadly Sins to Camden Roundhouse (June 25 & 26). Adding a touch of the urban are DNA Mix, a group of young, straight, rapping dads, who’ve teamed up with the Chorus to mash up Jealous Guy. Information fromwww.lgmc.org.uk

• It’s a year since poor Michael Jackson’s death and the famous Club de Fromage is paying tribute to the King of Pop at the 02 Academy Islington (June 26). Dig out the white ankle socks, roll up your sleeves and remember anyone in fancy dress skips the queue.

HARD ROCK'S CALLING - STEVIE WONDER, PEARL JAM AND PAUL MCCARTNEY TAKE OVER HYDE PARK

HARD Rock Calling is days away and we’re praying for the beautiful climes of last year as we prepare to head to Hyde Park for three days of glory  from giants Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and the like.

Taking place from June 25-27, Hard Rock Calling is generally aimed at the more mature crowd – you probably won’t have to worry about being caught up in crushing mosh-pits or frantic raves.

You probably will, however, see more than one generation jointly nodding along in shared appreciation of the fact that there’s at least something they can agree on – a musical bonding session for parent and child/grown-up offspring.

This year’s highlight has to be Stevie Wonder (pictured), whose Saturday show is expected to be heralded by a mass rendition of Happy Birthday, to mark the singer’s 60th birthday.

This is a rare chance to catch him in full glory, and Wonder’s was naturally the first night to sell out.

Supporting will be Jamiroquai (more recently seen lending his talents to a Japanese noodle advert), James Morrison and Corinne Bailey Rae, while Melissa Etheridge, Alejandro Escovedo, Florence Rawlings, Rox, Rumer, Diane Birch and Maria Mena play the Pepsi Max stage.

Last year we had Seasick Steve’s joyous veranda anecdotes, The Killers’ messianic conversion of Hyde Park, some wholesome stonewashed rock from the Boss, and Neil Young being a bit dull.

To be fair, the last observation was thanks to my own prejudices and Young attracted all sorts of praise at the time.

This year, Friday’s line-up – headlined by Pearl Jam – should have included Wolfmother, who mysteriously cancelled due to illness some time back – a real loss as they were one of the must-see picks of the weekend.

In those years of being part of the pack of grungy teens in DMs and cardigans riddled with holes, I never got to see either Nirvana or Pearl Jam live, so this could be the resolution of some unfulfilled youthful dream.

But now Eddie Vedder’s cut his hair, will he still have his powers?

Supporting the “Jam” are Ben Harper & Relentless 7 (last year’s performance was a little too worthy), The Hives, The Gaslight Anthem and Robert Francis.

No stranger to Hyde Park appearances, McCartney headlines on Sunday. Last year, he helped double the dad-rock factor when he joined Bruce Springsteen on stage for the finale. This year, he’s keeping the spotlight to himself.

Supporting are Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crowded House and Elvis Costello.

Over on the second stage are Joshua Radin, Tiffany Page, Little Steven’s Underground Garage Revue featuring The Breakers, The Cocktail Slippers, and The Len Price 3, hosted by Little Steven Van Zandt.

RECORD OF THE WEEK - MYSTERY JETS, Dreaming of Another World

THERE’S definitely a hint of Hockey in this romantic Mystery Jets single (out July 5). Listen carefully to the verses, it’s got a familiar ring. You’ll recognise Dreaming of Another World, it’s been heavily played and the carefree reverie's sure to be adopted for a mobile phone ad if it hasn’t already. Check out the cool geeky dancing in the video. 

A LONG WEEK IN MUSIC, RIB-CRACKING AT RAGE, SCRAMBLE FOR THE STROKES AND MORE

IT feels like the longest week in music ever. From being conflicted listening to the beautiful tones of Hasidic reggae artist Matisyahu (but not so sure about his politics) at Dean Street Studios on Wednesday, to the politics-free zone at the front row for Usher’s special show at Koko (he was all about the ladies and the poses) on Friday, to feeling every rib in my body on the verge of cracking in the manic moshpit at Rage Against the Machine at Finsbury Park on Sunday, to the (failed) battle for tickets for The Strokes’ secret gig as Venison at Dingwalls last night. This is the place to be if you love music. And it’s not over yet. New Young Pony Club and fave band Hurts are at Dingwalls tonight (Thursday).

• There’s a timely appearance from Big Brother’s tantrum princess Nikki on Friday at The Monarch. We’re hearing it’s gonna be like Phoebe from Friends. Disaster/Car crash entertainment? Can't imagine you'll be able to tear your eyes away.

• Thousands crashed Dingwalls’ website in a desperate scramble for Strokes tickets. We tweeted this early – before most music press had got their acts together thanks to trusty local contacts – follow me @roisingadelrab

• This Teenage Cancer Trust Topshop Summer Bandstand picnic at Regent’s College (June 12) could be a winner. Charlotte Hatherley (ex-Ash), Chew Lips, Goldheart Assembly and Stricken City + DJ sets from New Young Pony Club, and Girlcore are on the bill. Bring a picnic as the whole area is transformed into one big picnic ground with games, rollerskating, egg and spoon races and sports day games.

• I confess I used to love this guy’s curly mop-top (remember Sandstorm, Walk Away and Alright?) – former Cast frontman and ex-bassist for The La’s John Power will be singing Cast hits at the Luminaire (June 17). 

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE'S VICTORY SHOW - ANARCHY IN FINSBURY PARK

OK, I can admit when I’m wrong. Yes, the mid-30s crowd did turn up to Finsbury Park to witness Rage Against the Machine’s victory show on Sunday, but they were vastly outnumbered by a younger wave of mosh-ready devotees.

While the “oldies” gathered around the fringes, the hardened fans were ready to turn the entire park into one swirling whirlpool of flailing legs, fists and elbows. 

Such was the popularity of this particularly sweary gig that hundreds gathered outside the barriers, hoping to find a way in. And they lived out the reactionary sentiment, rushing the hoardings, overpowering the five security guards and finally making it through.

(see footage here - http://www.twitvid.com/IPAFG )

Whether it be the shoddy sound system, or maybe he just wasn’t feeling it, support Roots Manuva sadly failed, leaving the crowd seriously underwhelmed.

But mental electro DJs South Central took over, stirring things up into a frenzied rave, but making a quick exit when some impatient fans began pelting them with bottles.

Gogol Bordello killed it. Their rousing gypsy rock was the ideal precursor to an incredible set from Rage and they were serious contenders for best act of the night.

Clearly milking their X-Factor victory for all its worth, but with tongue in cheek, Rage came on to an animated Simon Cowell video, later playing defeated Joe McElderry’s Christmas number 2 just before the encore.

The set was a gracious one, they covered all the big hits, brought out the Facebook group founders – whose internet campaign projected them back to UK stardom – to thank them and handed over 100 per cent of profits from winning single Killing in the Name Of to Shelter.

They didn't have to put so much effort into this, it was completely free after all. But they played it like each of the 40,000 fans had paid them to play a private set.

It was manic, unruly, messy, rebellious – calling on US government to condemn counterparts in Israel – dangerous (we nearly died in the mosh pit) and glorious. 

HOT WATER MUSIC - THE IDYLLIC LIFE OF CHUCK RAGAN

LISTENING to Chuck Ragan describe his idyllic rural life – early mornings, gardening and DIY – you wouldn’t guess he’s the frontman of one of America’s leading punk bands. 

Ragan, whose band Hot Water Music has recently reformed, is up well before 8am, landscaping the gardens of the cosy home he shares with his wife in the small goldmine town of Grass Valley, California. 

(Hot Water Music - Chuck Ragan second from left)

At one time, Hot Water Music were blazing the way for punk fans in the States, but they spent too much time together, went a bit stir crazy and split for a while. 

Ragan has since carved out his own solo career, and has been recording with Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem and touring with Frank Turner.

But now the pressure’s off and the boys are missing each other, Hot Water Music’s back together and ready to tour the hell outta the UK.

They’re coming to the 02 Academy Islington on June 21 and by the sounds of it, they’re relishing every second.

Ragan said: “We’ve been having a blast. We don’t have the pressure we used to. For the longest time we made a massive amount of sacrifices. We came to a point where we decided are we going to do this for real and make a living out of it or keep bouncing back and forth? We were touring so much that we weren’t able to hold down any decent job. We had quite a few years where we were coming back homeless or something wasn’t right. We decided to go for it but by doing that we immediately found ourselves with all these pressures. They can really add up and it was just massive. If you don’t keep a handle on it and diversion in your life anything can become old and stagnant.”

He added: “I enjoy touring but it tends to make a person soft. You don’t eat well, sleep well and come back a little twisted. Now we’re free agents and all of us have our own thing going on and it’s complete and utter fun now we’re not worrying about record deadlines. It feels like it did in the beginning. Other than some injuries we feel like we’re 18 again.”

He believes there’s still room for punk in the music scene: “Punk will always be relevant but always ever-changing. What it is today isn’t what it was I was a kid.

Punk was always an underground scene and ethic. The beauty of underground music is that it’s always going to be there in one form or another. Even though the music styles may change, a lot of the ethics and ideals seem to stay and continue to resonate.”

In between tours it’s home life that keeps him sane: “As of lately we’ve been so busy on the road that when we’re home we just shut out the rest of the world. We’ve been landscaping. I’ve been digging, building, planting grass and moving stone. It feels good. I’m a worker.”

And now he’s got to go clean up – the in-laws are coming later and even a punk rock legend has to be presentable. 

UH OH CHIPMUNK - DON'T CROSS LOWKEY - NEW FEUD OUTBREAK

Oh no he just didn't, did he?
Little Chip Diddy Chip's upset resident serious rapper Lowkey - for dissing others who have fewer material possessions apparently.
So Lowkey's decided to teach Chipmunk a lesson, posting "The Warning" on Youtube.
However, as is usual with Lowkey's "responsible" attitude to the world - he had a bit of a crisis of conscience over his rhymes.
After posting the Youtube link, he said in a series of tweets: "I did not enjoy doing that, and I don't want people to keep cussing the guy, but when you talk down to other people about material possesion...
"And look down on others for having less than you materially, as if that is some measurment of talent, don't expect me to say nothing.
"Humility doesnt cost you anything. Humble yourself.
"Just to clarify the track is not a diss. It is a warning. He tweeted me yesterday a couple silly statements, then deleted them. Humbleurself"
Heed these words young Chipmunk!
But what did you say that so offended Lowkey? 
You can follow Lowkey on Twitter @lowkeyuk and Chipmunk @chipmunkartist
Charlie Sloth's already bigging this one up - what do you make of it?
Not sure who put the video but here's the credit http://www.youtube.com/user/AKAGrimeTV

SNOOP'S GOT THE GALACTIC GOODS BUT WHAT ARE NOEL GALLAGHER AND IAN BROWN UP TO?

Snoop comes out looking best in this remake of the famous Star Wars bar scene, but why are Noel Gallagher and Ian Brown playing the naughty boys giggling at the back of the class?
Surely they'd be propping up the bar? Or would the bar be propping them up?

RECORD OF THE WEEK - DEVLIN ft GIGGS, Shot Music

LOVING this one. Dark hip-hop, killer rock guitar backing solos – Dagenham MC Devlin’s single Shot Music (out July 12) is hot. The video’s slick and getting Giggs to guest on it is genius. As if it couldn’t sound any shadier, his lazy, deep vocals are threatening in all the right ways. 

JOHN BARNES' REPRISE, JOHN FOXX'S REUNION, WOLFMOTHER'S REPEAL AND N-DUBZ RELEVATION

JOHN Barnes, what have you done? Why agree to reprise your “rap” from New Order’s 1990 World Cup song World in Motion – for a Mars ad?

It wasn’t great the first time, and it just sounds like a lifetime of chocolate has made it even more laboured. I’m fond of you Barnesy, but are you sure this was wise? It is funny though. Can’t we just stick to Kasabian being the unofficial football soundtrack for the year?

• New Finsbury Park pop-up club The Silver Bullet’s already got the power to attract the big names. They’re holding the Rage Against the Machine after-party with Gallows and Eddy Temple-Morris DJing. Visit www.thesilverbullet.co.uk

• There’s something of a reunion happening at the Roundhouse’s electronic festival, Short Circuit 2010 (June 5). John Foxx, original frontman of pioneering UK synth-rock act Ultravox, reunites with guitarist Robin Simon, following DJ sets from Gary Numan and Jori Hulkkonen. Foxx and special guests will assemble on stage for the first time with the machines he used on debut solo album Metamatic in 1980 to perform material from past and present.

• The Egg club in King’s Cross has reopened and is attracting an incredible list of international DJs. Watch this space or visit www.egg-london.net

• Sad to hear Wolfmother have cancelled their appearance at Hard Rock Calling due to illness – one I was looking forward to.

• How much higher can these guys go? N-Dubz are sharing the bill with Usher at Camden’s Koko tomorrow (Friday). They’ve kept this one quiet. 

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE'S X-FACTOR REBELLION TUCKED IN BED BY 11PM

MY jewellery collection is a graveyard of single earrings, separated from their partners once lost to the many Rage Against the Machine-inspired moshpits of days gone by.

So the plan – when they play their free Finsbury Park gig on Sunday – is to either stand safely at the back, or leave the earrings at home.

The BBC weatherman predicts temperatures of 25 degrees so it should be a joyful day, if a relatively early night.

In 1992, their eponymous debut album served a great purpose. 

It was an outlet for teenagers everywhere to let off steam within the safe confines of the nearest indie/metal club or locked away in their bedrooms.

Singles Bombtrack, Killing in the Name and Bullet in the Head were anthems for our angst.

And it felt good when we managed to convince the DJ to play these 'provocative', political tracks at the school disco. But then we grew up and, apart from keeping a nostalgic admiration for these standout tracks, oft revived on road trips, many of us forgot about Rage altogether.
That's not to say they haven't maintained a loyal following.

I can’t say I’m familiar with much subsequent work, though this doesn’t make the prospect of seeing them live at Finsbury Park any less attractive.

It’s odd to think that the only reason Rage are coming to Finsbury Park at all is thanks to X-Factor.

Perhaps it's fitting that this eccentric event – a thanks to the thousands that helped screw with the man by subverting the Christmas number one, and dashing the hopes of the latest forgettable X-Factor finalist at the same time – is finishing at the tame old time of 10.30pm.

Will there be riots down Blackstock Road as the park gates shut? Or will the 30-something Rage fans hop into their cars and return home to bed before 11pm, basking in the glow of a nicely controlled bit of reactionary revelry?

Support comes from gypsy punk group Gogol Bordello, rapper Roots Manuva and punk band Gallows.