Scene and Heard

ELECTRIC PICNIC: For many people, this week has revolved around the back to school shenanigans, but a lucky few thousand were preparing bags of a different kind as they set out for the Electric Picnic.

he Stradbally event has the usual eclectic mix of music on offer, and among the must sees are: tonight, Fatboy Slim, 10.30pm; Saturday, Bjork (pictured) at 9pm and Disclosure at 12.30pm; Sunday, Black Uhuru at 2.45pm, and Arctic Monkeys at 10.15pm.

MUSIC NEWS: While Michael Jackson’s death hasn’t stopped record companies releasing a steady stream of his music, Timbaland’s recent hints that he is working on the late popstar’s tracks have whetted the appetite for what could be a very fruitful collaboration. Meanwhile, just a few weeks after Eminem thrilled the masses in Slane, he has announced a Nov 2 release date for his next album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2. A first single from the album, ‘Berzerk’ was released earlier this week. American actor Chadwick Boseman impressed as baseball player Jackie Robinson in 42, and has been announced as the lead actor in a major biopic of James Brown (above). Mick Jagger and film producer Brian Grazer secured the rights for some of the Godfather of Soul’s music, but the project has stuttered along for several years, with Spike Lee temporarily on board as director. Tate Taylor (The Help) will now helm the film, with a release date, yet to be set, for next year. Finally, ex Happy Mondays dancer Bez has long had a reputation for buzzing, so it’s probably fitting that his new passion is for bees. He has been promoting urban beekeeping in Britain and told The Guardian how it’s a useful way for him to get by considering his straitened financial situation after tax bills sucked up any money left from his time in the limelight.