It's shaping up a be a strange year
Gaby Whitehill

13:43 25th March 2014

We're only three months into 2014 and it's already been a very strange year so far for music.

From unlikely collaborations to strange new directions, eyebrow-raising stage shows to bold statements, it feels like musicians seem to not really give a toss in 2014 - which is obviously a good thing - it makes life a lot more interesting for everyone.

Here are 8 of the weirdest things to happen in 2014 so far, from James Arthur comparing himself to an exploited whale, to Lady Gaga being vomited on with paint. We hope this kind of bonkers nonsense continues WELL into the year...

  • Kate Bush announces first tour in 35 years: The eccentric, enigmatic and brilliant singer hasn't played a show since 1979, so to say everyone was a little surprised when she suddenly announced a series of live dates in London in August was a little bit of an understatement. Expect a virtual stampede when tickets go on sale on March 28.

  • Burial finally reveals his face via a selfie: Influential electronic musician William Bevan, AKA Burial, has always been a little bit mysterious, retaining virtual anonymity for most of his career. This all changed in January, however, when Bevan posted a selfie (!) alongside a message thanking fans for their support over the years. In further odd Burial-related news, pop chanteuse Ellie Goulding then revealed in March she enjoys a close friendship with the producer. [Image via Hyperdub]

  • Lorde VS Westboro Baptist Church: The New Zealand singer came to blows (sort of) with the controversial Christian fundamentalist organisation, who like to hold signs saying "God hates fags" and other charming slogans. After they threatened to picket one of Lorde's shows in the US, the 'Royals' singer encouraged fans to "kiss church members of the same sex". That didn't happen, but Lorde fans did turn up with signs telling WBC to "be awesome".

  • Lady Gaga gets vommed on: Just as we thought Gaga had toned down the ridiculousness, out she popped at SXSW with performance artist Millie Brown, who proceeded to vomit paint all over her whilst Gaga bashed on a drum, shouting "FUCK POP!". Punk. Rock.

  • James Arthur compares himself to Tilikum, the exploited Seaworld killer whale: OBVIOUSLY. In a new bid to be forever committed to the Douchebag Hall of Fame, Arthur asked fans to draw a picture of Tilikum to feature on the cover of his new hip hop mixtape (snigger). He then became embroiled in a Twitter spat with Paul Potts. *grabs popcorn*

  • Courtney Love joins search for missing Malaysian plane: Taking a break from initiating Twitter spats, Courtney decided to get stuck in with the mystery of flight MH370. Courtney's Microsoft Paint efforts made her the butt of everyone's jokes, but at least she tried. Next up - the Bermuda Triangle.

  • Bez announces plans to run for parliament: The Happy Mondays maraca-shaker will run for MP in his hometown of Salford, citing his "living in a permaculture" and bankers as his reasons for running. He also revealed he likes to take bees into schools, which is a bit weird. We say good on ya, Bez!

  • Miley Cyrus' entire Bangerz tour: Well, it was never going to be subtle and understated, was it? The Bangerz tour saw Miley 2.0 eating fan's thongs, snogging fans, taking joints from fans, miming giving oral sex to a man dressed as Bill Clinton, pretending to touch herself - all whilst wearing eye-wateringly high cut thong leotards.

  • Keith Richards to write a children's book: Yep, the Rolling Stones guitarist has penned a book for kiddies - based on his own life. Nope, it WON'T be about the many years of drug abuse and sex during his time in the Stones, it will detail his relationship with his late grandfather, who he credits with introducing him to the world of music. N'aww.


Photo: WENN / Splash