Cork-born photographer Deirdre O’Callaghan took pictures of some of the world’s greatest drummers for her new book, writes Don O’Mahony

Ed Power says the new flight connections direct from Cork to Reykjavik offers an opportunity to explore stunning landscapes and a magical city

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Sam Smith heads the nominations for this year’s Brit Awards after being shortlisted for five awards, narrowly ahead of Ed Sheeran and George Ezra who are up for four apiece.

Hotly-tipped Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominees FKA twigs and Kate Tempest are among the acts which have enjoyed the biggest percentage sales boosts since being shortlisted for tonight’s award.

Damon Albarn’s solo debut and chart-topping duo Royal Blood heads the shortlist for this year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

You are so very old.

Everyday Robots

SRI LANKA: A British tourist is to be deported from Sri Lanka because of a tattoo of Buddha on her arm.

Paul McCartney collected an honorary prize at the NME Awards for his songwriting skills – and admitted he had no idea how he did it.

BOBBY Womack is thrilled to be back. “I’m playing countries I never got to play before,” says the iconic soul singer, grinning his trademark grin. “They [promoters] used to tell me, ‘oh, your band is too big’ for our venue. Now, the doors are open for me. This late in my career, I’m loving it. Seriously, man, it’s great. ”

Blur are starting work on a new album.

Paul McCartney has recorded a song to accompany a new TV advert for his late wife Linda’s vegetarian food range.

Bobby Womack has revealed he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Damon Albarn saved Bobby Womack's life.

Paul McCartney joined Damon Albarn at his Africa Express show in London this weekend.

Ray Davies claims to be Damon Albarn when people recognise him in the street.

Richard Branson is considering buying back Virgin Records.

Richard Branson is considering buying back Virgin Records more than 40 years after founding the business that spawned his empire.

Reunited rock act Blur adopted an unusual way of premiering their new songs tonight as their performed them in a live show via Twitter.

Damon Albarn is working on a solo album.

Bobby Womack is reportedly battling colon cancer.

Rizzle Kicks "idolise" Damon Albarn.

Steve Sparrow of Morning Parade tells Ed Power why the Essex outfit have no fears for the future of rock’n’roll.

Gorillaz are releasing a new single with Andre3000.

SATURDAY

THE only answer to the recessionary blues is some rhythm and blues, with a bit of jazz thrown in for good measure.

FIFTY thousand visitors and more than 1,000 musicians from 35 countries performing in 80 venues.

Damon Albarn is to reform his band The Good, The Bad & The Queen for a one-off show to mark the 40th birthday of Greenpeace.

Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea was influenced by touring with Radiohead singer Thom Yorke.

BLUR frontman Damon Albarn is set to open the world-famous Guinness Cork Jazz Festival this October.

U2 frontman Bono has revealed his frustration at cancelling last year’s Glastonbury performance by releasing a video filmed in his hospital bed.

Geri Halliwell wants the Spice Girls to reunite for next year's Olympic Games.

Songstress Adele has regained the top spot in the album chart after the Foo Fighters pushed her off the number one position for a week.

A number of acts have been added to this year's Galway Arts Festival line-up.

Coldplay have been asked to open the 2012 Olympics.

Rock superstars U2 are to headline this summer’s Glastonbury after pulling out of last year’s festival at the last minute.

Singer-songwriter Laura Marling has followed her success at the Brits by being named best solo artist at the Shockwave NME Awards.

Beyonce Knowles and U2 are reportedly set to headline this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

PASSENGERS at Manchester Airport will be greeted by holograms of staff from next week in a bid to reduce security check queues.

Lady Gaga’s outrageous dress sense has proved to be divisive – after she was shortlisted for both most and least stylish star in this year’s NME Awards.

Canadian rockers Arcade Fire's record 'The Suburbs' has been hailed album of the year in a prestigious poll of music critics.

RADIOHEAD’S experimental OK Computer has been named the greatest album of the past quarter century by music fans.