Every month, our team will deliver a short roundup of the latest and most compelling music news gathered from across the internet. Stay tuned for a curated selection of the most relevant and interesting updates from the music world.
New Book, The Haçienda Threads, promises to take readers back to those days
Curated by Rebecca Hook, this collection dives into the club’s vibrant history with rare photographs and first-hand accounts from DJs, clubbers, performers, and fashion designers who experienced it firsthand.
Peter Hook, co-founder of the Haçienda and member of Joy Division and New Order, penned the foreword, sharing his unique perspective on the club that shaped a generation.
The Haçienda, which ran from 1982 to 1997, was a major influence on dance music and rave culture, hosting iconic acid house nights and shaping Manchester’s music scene. The book highlights these moments, celebrating the friendships and creativity fostered on its dance floors.
The official book launch is on October 9 at Manchester’s New Century Hall, with proceeds going to AKT, Mind, and Sarcoma. Don’t miss this chance to relive a piece of music history!
Patrick Topping to launch an alcohol-free party
DJ and producer Patrick Topping is hosting a unique event in October: a daytime rave with no alcohol, as part of the Sober October initiative. Topping, who has been performing sober since 2017, credits the shift for improving his mental and physical health and deepening his connection to music.
The event aims to offer an alternative to traditional parties, focusing on music and a communal atmosphere without the pressure to drink. “I love the idea of raving without feeling hungover or exhausted afterward,” Topping shared.
He’s encouraging fans to suggest cities for the event and hopes it inspires others to try sober raving or even join Sober October. The party will celebrate music, energy, and connection in a positive, healthy environment.
Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo ‘no longer speaking
Pharrell Williams has confirmed he’s no longer on speaking terms with Chad Hugo, his long-time partner in The Neptunes. The fallout stems from Hugo’s lawsuit earlier this year, accusing Pharrell of filing trademarks for The Neptunes without consulting him, violating their agreement to share all rights equally.
Despite the legal dispute, Pharrell expressed gratitude for their time together, saying, “I love him, and I always wish him the absolute best.”
The Neptunes, formed in the 1990s, shaped the sound of the 2000s, producing hits for Britney Spears, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake, and earning two Grammys and a Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.
Both appear in Piece by Piece, an animated LEGO documentary on Pharrell’s life, which premiered at TIFF. The rift, however, leaves the future of their legendary partnership uncertain.
Famous Berlin nightclub Watergate to close its doors
Berlin’s legendary nightclub will close at the end of 2024 due to mounting financial challenges, cofounder Ulrich Wombacher confirmed. Rising rent, inflation, and the energy crisis have made it impossible to sustain operations.
“We’re facing enormous financial pressure and have decided not to renew the lease,” said Wombacher, citing the shift in club culture toward larger festivals and outdoor events.
Watergate, founded in 2002, became a global institution in electronic music, hosting renowned DJs like Sven Väth and Charlotte de Witte. Despite its closure, the club plans a farewell series of events running from October until New Year’s Eve.
Although the physical space will shutter, the Watergate Records label and brand will continue. This marks another loss for Berlin’s nightlife, as nearby club Renate faces a similar fate in 2025.
Lady Gaga on Never Addressing Rumors Claiming She’s a Man
Lady Gaga recently opened up about early career rumors claiming she was a man during an appearance on Netflix’s What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates. She explained why she chose not to address the misinformation, saying, “I didn’t feel like a victim with that lie. I thought: What about a kid being accused of the same who might feel shame?”
Instead of denying the rumors, Gaga decided to use the situation in a “thought-provoking and disruptive” way, prioritizing the broader message over her own reputation.
Reflecting on years of media scrutiny, the singer-turned-actress shared, “I’ve been used to lies being printed about me since I was 20. I think it’s kind of funny.”
Now starring as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux, Gaga continues to challenge norms. The film hits theaters October 4th.
Dave Navarro Hints The End Of Jane’s Addiction
Dave Navarro has hinted that Jane’s Addiction may be over following an onstage altercation between bandmates during their tour. The incident, which occurred on September 13th, involved singer Perry Farrell shoving and punching Navarro, with bassist Eric Avery also getting involved. This led to the cancellation of the remaining tour dates.
In an Instagram post, Navarro expressed his sadness, stating that he was “gutted” by how things ended. He also hinted that fans may never hear their new song, “True Love,” live. The post included apologies to the crew and supporting bands, acknowledging the loss of jobs due to the tour’s abrupt end.
While Jane’s Addiction has previously broken up, this latest fallout appears to signal another chapter closing for the iconic alt-rock band. Fans are left uncertain about the band’s future after this chaotic turn of events.
Watch a documentary series on DJ Mehdi
A new six-part documentary series, DJ Mehdi: Made in France, is now available for streaming on Arte. Directed by Thibaut de Longeville, the series explores the life and career of DJ Mehdi, one of the most influential figures in French electronic music.
The documentary features a wealth of personal footage, previously unseen archives, and moving tributes from his close friends and collaborators, including Ed Banger founder Busy P. Born Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, the self-taught producer’s legacy is explored through a mix of intimate stories and emotional recollections from family members, such as his mother, cousin, and wife.
Tragically, DJ Mehdi passed away in 2011 at the age of 34, but his impact on the music world endures. DJ Mehdi: Made in France captures his genius and the era he helped define, celebrating his legacy as one of the most important figures in French electronic music.
Jeff Buckley’s Memphis Home Will Soon Be Available to Rent on Airbnb
The famous singer’s former home in Memphis will soon be available for rent on Airbnb, offering fans a chance to stay where the iconic artist spent his final years. Purchased in March 2024, the house had been abandoned for a year and is now being restored with period-appropriate furnishings as a tribute to Buckley, not a commercial venture.
Located near Memphis landmarks like Ardent Studios and Overton Park Shell, the house is a prime spot for music lovers. The owners aim to honor Buckley’s legacy, creating a space where fans can connect with his memory.
Though modest, the home reflects Buckley’s simple life, often moving from room to room, surrounded by books and music. His lasting impact continues to shine, as seen in the growing enthusiasm for the house’s restoration.
Mark Lanegan Tribute Concert Announced
A tribute concert for Mark Lanegan will take place on December 5th at London’s Roundhouse, celebrating the late singer-songwriter’s life and music. The event, “Mark Lanegan 60 – A Celebration,” features Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli, and more.
The show, timed just after what would have been Lanegan’s 60th birthday, honors his legacy as one of modern music’s most revered voices. Soulsavers will serve as the house band.
The event is particularly poignant as it takes place at the Roundhouse, where Lanegan performed his final London show. This one-off celebration will bring together Lanegan’s closest friends and collaborators to share stories, songs, and memories of the beloved artist. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
Printworks plans to reopen have been approved
Printworks, the iconic London venue, is set to reopen in 2026 after Southwark Council officially approved redevelopment plans. The announcement, made by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) on September 24, marks a major victory for London’s nightlife. NTIA CEO Michael Kill celebrated the approval as an incredibly positive moment for the city’s cultural scene, emphasizing Printworks’ global reputation as a beacon of creativity and innovation.
Originally closed in 2023 after plans were proposed to convert the site into offices, the new redevelopment will transform Printworks into a permanent cultural venue. The Press Halls, known for their distinctive character, will be preserved as a music venue, while the remainder of the site will feature office and retail spaces.
The approval reflects strong support from local authorities, the music industry, and the dedicated team behind Printworks. While the timeline for reopening remains unclear, this redevelopment will bring back the venue’s world-class energy and cultural significance.