Bloc Party reunite for Christmas

Bloc Party have reunited over the Christmas period.

The band, who have been on hiatus since mid-2009, have appeared together in a festive snap posted on their official Twitter page, Twitter.com/thisisblocparty.

Frontman Kele Okereke, bassist Gordon Moakes, guitarist Russell Lissack and drummer Matt Tong all appear in the picture, which is captioned: "Merry Christmas from the Bloc".

Earlier this year, Okereke released his debut solo album 'The Boxer' - and at the time told NME he was unsure whether Bloc Party would ever get back together.

"Who knows how we'll feel about anything in a year's time?" he said.

Moakes and Lissack have also worked on side projects - the former as part of hardcore band Young Legionnaire and the latter in Anglo-American duo Pin Me Down.

Lissack has also worked as Ash's touring guitarist since Bloc Party went on hiatus.

New! NME Radar Album: The Best New Artists of 2010. Download Now.

View the original article here

Pete Doherty, Big Pink and more for Christmas collaboration single

Pete Doherty, The Big Pink, Billy Bragg and The Kooks are among the acts set to record a 'silent' Christmas single on Monday (December 6).

Enter Shikari, UNKLE, Mr Hudson, producer Paul Epworth and Jon 'The Reverend' McClure are also set for the project.

The acts will record their take on American composer John Cage's concept of recording four minutes and 33 seconds of silence. They'll release it on December 13 in attempt to bag the Christmas Number One.

Proceeds from the single will go to various charities. See Facebook.com/cageagainstthemachine for more information.

Thom Yorke, David Cameron and Mark Ronson took part in a similar 'silent' single project recently to mark Remembrance Day.

New! NME Radar Album: The Best New Artists of 2010. Download Now.

View the original article here