Following the sad death of Beastie Boys legend Adam Yauch, NME salutes one of hip-hop’s true innovators and a man who never stopped believing in breaking rules, expanding his genre and fighting for his principles. Read tributes from The Strokes, Krist Novoselic and more.
Also in this issue, they may be the most exciting new band on the planet, but there’s tragedy and heartache tearing at the soul of Alabama shakes. NME heads to Berlin to talk to lead singer Brittany Howard about her dark past and discovers how she found that once-in-a-generation voice.
Plus, “Acute pancreatitis… there’s nothing ‘cute’ about it. The pancreas expanded – the enzymes burned everything outside. I was pleading for [the doctors] to kill me.” The words of original Guns N Roses bassit Duff McKagan. Read this and the rest of the band’s insane stories inside.
Should Noel and Damon collaborate? It’s the burning debate that’s split the NME office. Find out what we think, and why “Self-proclaimed ‘serious’ music fans might stroke their chins at the sight of Noel treading the boards as a shit-smeared minstrel.”
As well as that, Vampire Weekend update us on their new album, The Enemy are back, reports from Foster The People and New Order’s huge live shows, and meet the new breed of hip hop stars who’d rather rap about booze than bling.
Out now.
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