Another year in music, 2013 was not without its top stories ‘ controversies, deaths, news items, arrests. 2013 was characterised by a number of bands reforming for sell-out world tours. It was also the year that British-based international reality TV sensations Girls Aloud and JLS finally decided to call it a day. But they were not the biggest stories.

1. Miley Cyrus Twerking ‘Controversy’

You could not have failed to have heard about the storm that this situation created. ‘Blurred Lines’ ‘ despite being the memorable hit of the year – was already controversial because of its apparent promotion of date rape. Cyrus stepped into another controversy when performing the song on the VMAs with the singer Robin Thicke. Wearing a flesh-coloured body suit, she ‘twerked’ (gyrating her posterior and rubbing herself against a man) ‘ against Thicke and a dwarf. It wasn’t just the sexually charge performance that was attacked, the move was considered racist by some

2. Bowie’s New Album

It had been ten years since David Bowie had released a new album so when he announced earlier in the year that a new compilation was due soon, the reaction was a combination of surprise and delight. The veteran rocker made the announcement on his 65th birthday (8th Jan) and the album was released on 8th March. It immediately went to Number 1 in all UK album charts. His agent states that he writes and releases albums ‘only when he has something to say, not when he has something to sell’. Later in the year, Bowie was voted the best-dressed Brit of all time

3. Rolling Stones do Glasto!

The biggest and most surprising event of the year was the legends that are The Rolling Stones headlining the biggest music festival in Europe, if not the world. Famous for showcasing global talent whether up and coming or big name stars, their appearance over the weekend might perhaps never be surpassed. It ended up being the fastest selling Glastonbury of all time ‘ selling out in 100 minutes of going on sale

4. Lily Allen Covers Keane

The biggest TV advert of the year in the UK is nearly always going to be the one that chain store John Lewis Partnership put out just before Christmas. Festive ads are getting more and more elaborate with special effects and kitsch messages. But it was Lily Allen with her cover of ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ that that exceeded all expectations. The advert shows a rabbit leaving a Christmas gift for a bear while in the background the soft tone of Allen adds some sentiment. The track hit number one, giving Allen her third top spot hit

5. Mogwai

Though a name known to alternative music purists for a long time (they have been around for over 20 years), this Scottish post-rock band were heavily supported by John Peel before his death and recorded many sessions. They did not hit the big time or enter into the mainstream culture until 2013 until they recorded an astounding collection of music for the French TV drama Les Revenants. The haunting orchestral-cum-electronic melodies were promptly released as an album having met critical and popular acclaim

6. Eurovision and Gay Marriage

The peculiar music contest that practically nobody takes seriously is seen at best as a harmless bit of fun and at worst, an exercise in nepotism where neighbouring countries vote for each other and the music takes a back seat. The Contest though has courted controversy in the past; Israel’s continuing entry despite not being in Europe, accusations of anti-American sentiment of some past entrants too. The year’s political point came courtesy of the Finnish entry and track title ‘Marry Me’ which featured a female singer kissing one of her (female) backing dancers. The move, they said, was to encourage Finland to legalise gay marriage

7. Ian Watkins and Lostprophets

Once Ian Watkins was arrested and then charged with a number of sex crimes against children, the remaining band members decided to cancel their remaining tour dates for 2013 and 2014. Once Watkins pleaded guilty, in the interest of their own careers they decided to dissolve the band in October. They admitted that he had been difficult to work with but “never imagined him capable of behaviour of the type he has now admitted’. No other band member was questioned in connection with the crimes

8. “Thrift Shop” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz

The biggest selling single of the year (worldwide) was not, as many might have suspected, Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines it was the track from American Hip-Hop duo selling over 7.8 million copies in hard copy or digital download. This was also despite being released late in 2012, dropping out of the charts and re-entering in October and climbing steadily to a Top 10 spot in January 2013. Despite this, it still outstripped its nearest rivals.

9. Bon Jovi Tour

After over 30 years in the business and several band member changes, Bon Jovi proved their staying power in 2013 by recording the highest grossing international tour of 2013 netting over $205m (US). Their closest rival for the year was Pink but she was adrift by nearly $60m compared to the veteran rock band. Their tally fell short of Madonna’s 2012 takings by $23m. Long-term fans criticised the tour as being nowhere near up to the standard that they are capable of delivering ‘ many mourned the absence of Richie Sambora who left in 2013

10. Death of Lou Reed

Though the band The Velvet Underground was considered a colossal failure in the 1960s ‘ like true artists they went on to gain cult following in later years. Following their short stint, the band broke up and Reed went on to have a successful career as a solo artist. His first hit was Walk on the Wild Side, considered one of the greatest tracks of the 1970s. His distinctive voice would see him through the next four decades and he was recording right up to his death

Conclusion

These are ten of the world’s biggest music stories of 2013. As with any year there are reforms, deaths and some of the world’s biggest concerts. Critics often say that modern music has become too commercialised, that it is not about the art any more. Purists disagree and say that there is good music out there if you only look hard enough and long enough.