Jean Michel Jarre and Edward Snowden might seem an unlikely duo, but the electronic music pioneer tells Ed Power why they were an ideal match

MUSIC NEWS: Though there were all sorts of stories about Michael Jackson’s perilous finances through the years, the late prince of pop did listen to some of the right advice when he managed to amass the rights to songs by an impressive roster of artists. 

It was built in the 1870s, but St Luke’s Church in Cork became the city’s newest venue Friday night when it hosted the first of its series of August gigs.

Cork-bound Alexander Balanescu was born in Romania but has lived in the UK for most of his life. He fronts the Balanescu Quartet, a group that broke through with their classically-tinged cover versions of tunes by Kraftwerk. 

As Ed Power ponders a possible digital backlash, he talks to John Creedon about classic songs that never made it to the top of the charts

Appropriately for a music festival that veers in tone from eccentric to sublime and all the way back again, on the first day of Electric Picnic the weather couldn’t make up its mind.

Motorists making their way to Electric Picnic today are being advised to allow plenty of time for their journey and to avoid using sat navs.

PICNIC PARTICULARS: The programmers at Electric Picnic have been doing their stuff for quite a few years, so hopefully the mellow tones of Portishead won’t jar with the exuberance of the Saturday mainstage crowd at 10.30pm.

Only 3 more sleeps!

From Pet Shop Boys to Portishead, the impressive bill of fare at this year’s Electric Picnic caters for all musical tastes. Ed Power recommends some choice cuts.

Blondie and Sinead O'Connor are among the 21 new acts which have been added to the Electric Picnic line-up today.

The line-up for one of the country’s leading music festivals has finally been announced with headline acts appealing, not only to the young, but also the young at heart.

Pet Shop Boys have sampled a gay rights speech for their new single.

Robbie Williams was declared a pop idol at the Q Awards with other winners including Ellie Goulding, Pet Shop Boys and Jake Bugg.

Forget the misgivings about the hype in Limerick, forget the five-week break, forget the tactical gyrations.

Irish cellist Vyvienne Long has persuaded the renowned Balanescu Quartet to tour Ireland.

Depeche Mode feel snubbed by the BRIT Awards.

JIM Bob Morrison wonders if it was all a dream.

It’s been a busy, and surreal, year for Madness, topped with a new album. Ed Power spoke to frontman Suggs

The Pet Shop Boys and Katherine Jenkins serenaded athletes at the Olympic Parade in London yesterday.

The Pet Shop Boys think the winner of 'X Factor' should represent the UK at 'Eurovision'.

The global campaign to free Pussy Riot is gaining speed: Supporters of the punk provocateur band mobilise this week in at least a dozen cities worldwide to hold simultaneous demonstrations an hour before a Russian court rules on whether its members will be sent to prison.

London Olympics organisers promised an unforgettable party to close the 2012 Games and they pulled out all the stops to make it a night to remember, with Britain stamped all over it.

One Direction are due to perform at Sunday night's London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

The three Russian feminist band members on trial over an anti-Vladimir Putin protest will know their fate next week.

The Beatles have held off artists such as Elvis Presley and Madonna to be declared the biggest selling singles act since charts began 60 years ago.

Footage of David Bowie on Top Of The Pops thought to have been lost forever is to be screened for the first time in almost 40 years.

Will Young thinks it was the "right time" for him to change his sound.

Take That have invited their heroes the Pet Shop Boys to support them on their sell-out UK tour.

Glastonbury Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary today – and revellers are reaching for the sun block rather than the traditional wellies.

You might not need your wellies at this year's Glastonbury.

QUIRKY popstress Lily Allen took home three awards for songs from her album It’s Not Me, It’s You at the Ivor Novello awards, crowning an eye-catching year of success for the singer.

Lily Allen broke down in tears as her song 'The Fear' scooped major prizes at the Ivor Novello Awards today.

LEGENDARY soul singer Stevie Wonder has joined an increasingly impressive list of performers at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in England.

Acts such as Dizzee Rascal, Scissor Sisters and The Flaming Lips are among the main acts playing this year’s Glastonbury Festival, it was announced today.

They wouldn’t normally do this kind of thing, but Pet Shop Boys surprised a fan by playing a gig in her living room.

Lady Gaga, JLS and Kasabian are among the acts who will perform at the Brit Awards next month, it was announced today.

THE POGUES song Fairytale of New York – which has repeatedly missed out on the number one spot – is the all-time Christmas favourite, a survey has shown.

Pogues hit 'Fairytale of New York' – which has repeatedly missed out on the number one spot – is the all-time Christmas favourite, a survey showed today.

Robbie Williams will crown his comeback with an outstanding contribution to music award at next year’s Brit Awards.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson will make a guest appearance on 'EastEnders' later this year.

Bookmakers have named the Russian boxer and artist Angel as a favourite to take the £100,000 prize money for winning ‘Big Brother’.

The Pet Shop Boys turned down a request today from animal rights campaigners which asked them to change their name to the Rescue Shelter Boys.

The Pet Shop Boys have refused to change their name to the Rescue Shelter Boys to aid an animal rights group campaign aimed at discouraging people buying cats and dogs from pet stores.