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Universal Music Classics & Jazz has posted a video of the first part of the Music of the Spheres premiere in Bilbao on their KlassikAkzente.de site. Wednesday, 19 March 2008  19 commentsA box set of DVDs of Tony Palmer's documentary series on the history of popular music, All You Need Is Love, is now available to buy from allyouneedislovedvd.com. Episode 17 will be of particular interest to fans of Mike Oldfield, as it contains the well known 'making of Ommadawn' feature. Dank je wel, Blue DolphinWednesday, 19 March 2008 5 commentsThe science fiction writer and technological visionary Arthur C. Clarke has died at his home in Sri Lanka, aged 90. The influence of his legendary novels and short stories can be seen in many of Mike Oldfield's works, not least 1994's The Songs of Distant Earth, inspired by Clarke's novel of the same name. His death comes as a sad loss to the worlds of literature, science and technology, but his legacy will live on through his work for many years to come. Tuesday, 18 March 2008 17 commentsAfter a long wait, Music of the Spheres finally hits shops across Europe today. If it's not in a store near you, you can order it on amazon.co.uk or you can try your luck and order from play.com and see if yours will be one of the 200 signed copies! The iTunes version, including the Live at Bilbao recording is also available on all European iTunes stores right now! We wish the best of success to Mike and to our friends at Universal Classics and Jazz. Sunday, 16 March 2008 119 commentsUniversal is set to release a special download package of Music of the Spheres on iTunes on March 18th. The release includes the studio recording, modified artwork, a video interview with Mike Oldfield and Karl Jenkins, the live recording of the premiere concert in Bilbao and a PDF booklet. Wednesday, 12 March 2008 84 commentsWe'd like to say a big thank you to all the fans who were involved with the Music of the Spheres premiere event in Bilbao last night. It was brilliant how everyone - both from this site and from all the other fan groups involved - came together to make the whole thing possible. Thanks of course also have to go to everyone who's made this possible by simply supporting this site and making it one which gets taken seriously! It was really fun to spend time with the 'Tubular Ten' and with new and old friends from all the other sites and we look forward to doing it again in the future! Saturday, 8 March 2008 60 commentseitb24.com has posted a video of the rehearsals for the premiere of Music of the Spheres. Update March 6: eitb has posted an exclusive interview. Tuesday, 4 March 2008 26 commentsThe launch of Music of the Spheres has been a hot topic amongst fans for the past few months and it's about to get even hotter, as we offer our visitors the chance to win one of a handful of tickets to the premiere performance in Bilbao, Spain, on March 7th. Congratulations to our winners, users BTH, clotty, GodGift, manintherain and Susanakin! Wednesday, 27 February 2008 84 commentsOne of Mike's initial demo recordings for Music of the Spheres will be released next week, on March 3rd, as a download-only 'digital single'. The news item on mikeoldfield.com says that the track, called Spheres, "was the initial piece of music Mike recorded when conceiving the idea for this album and it doesn't feature the involvement of Karl Jenkins or any other musicians." It will be available 'from all good digital retailers'. Update March 1 - You can hear a one minute preview of the track at 7digital.com (just click the blue play button).
Update March 2 - UK iTunes users can buy 'Spheres' right now on the iTunes music store!
Update March 4 - You can buy on 7digital, iTunes, msn, napster, tiscali.Tuesday, 26 February 2008 97 commentsWe're thrilled to announce that Mike will be performing music from Music Of The Spheres live as part of a launch event at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao on March 7th 2008. He will be accompanied by the Euskaudiko Orkestra. It seems that this is essentially a private launch event for the press, but Universal tell us that they're currently looking at ways to offer opportunities for fans to attend the concert - keep watching this space! Update 6/2/08 - the Bilbao Choral Society will also be accompanying Mike in the concert
Update 14/2/08 - a press release from the Euskaudiko Orkestra confirms that Hayley Westenra will also be appearing.
Update 26/2/08 - The concert will be recorded and released exclusively on iTunes as part of a special package on March 17th.Wednesday, 23 January 2008 100 commentsIt's just been announced on mikeoldfield.com that Mike and Fanny's new baby, Eugene, was born early on the morning of the 20th. Mike says "We're so happy, it's the most wonderful thing to have Eugene in the world. It's been an unusual time recently, as we are staying at our holiday home in Spain, so this is just fantastic. We're going to be busy over the next few weeks and months!" Our congratulations go to Mike and Fanny on this happy occasion! Thanks, Neil InceMonday, 21 January 2008 34 commentsMikeoldfield.com has been updated, with a new Music Of The Spheres look. The release date for the album has been confirmed as March 17th. Keep watching this space for more exciting news! Thanks David and Universal MusicWednesday, 16 January 2008 44 comments Happy New Year 2008! As every year, we'd like to reiterate our thanks to the Tubular.net community for all the wonderful contributions in the forums, news tips, recordings of media events, photos, and just for coming back here regularly to read, view, and listen. 2007 has almost seen the release of Music of the Spheres, with several exclusive tips directly form Universal Music, and lot of updates in the instruments list. The instruments that created Mike Oldfield's trademark sounds are now in the hands of happy fans. We have also started to add scans of tickets in the Tours page. We may try to organize the instruments list a bit better in 2008 and to introduce a better FAQ system which would be more dynamic, allowing us for example to easily share the questions we answer via email from the visitors who prefer to ask us directly rather than using the forums. It could also allow moderated comments. We may also update the look and feel of the site, trying to modernize it by using some color gradients while keeping it compact, clear and usable. Monday, 31 December 2007 15 commentsThe Dutch TV channel Nederland 3 will show an interview with Mike this (Thursday) evening, as part of the show Top 2000 a gogo. The show starts at 19:30 Dutch time (that is, GMT +1), and there will be a repeat at 0:15. You will also be able to watch it online after the broadcast at http://top2007.radio2.nl/thanks, Blue DolphinWednesday, 26 December 2007 42 commentsThe 22nd High Performance Rodeo in Calgary will present on January 16, 17, 18 an adaptation of the first side of Tubular Bells by Calgary composer and concert pianist Marcel Bergmann, performed on 4 Steinway grand pianos by The Bergmann Duo and special guests Jeroen Van Veen and Hong Xu, along with 4 dancers from Alberta Ballet choreographed by Yukichi Hattori. Tuesday, 18 December 2007 6 comments Some of Mike's equipment is being sold on eBay: amps, cases, racks, pedals, effects, mixers, and more... Update Dec 8: Piano Auctions is listing: - Lot #77: Glockenspiel A 3-octave concert glockenspiel; the property of Mike Oldfield. £500 - £700
- Lot #118: Steinway No 137655 (c1910) A 6ft 11in Model B grand piano in a rosewood case together with a stool. This piano is accompanied by a letter of provenance stating it was used by Mike Oldfield on his recordings from 1987 to 2007. £8,000 - 12,000
Update Dec 12: Chandler Guitars is listing: Thursday, 6 December 2007 114 commentsAs some of you have already noticed, amazon.co.uk and play.com are now listing a March 9th release date for Music Of The Spheres. Having spoken with Universal UK, it seems this is not a definite release date, and plans are still being made for the launch of the album next year. It is likely that the release will be in March, but it may be yet later than the revised release date given by those two online stores. Definite details should be made available early next year. Friday, 16 November 2007 42 commentsCan rock learn anything from classical music? Click here to read what Mike, along with Tim Hodgkinson, replies to Philip Clark of Gramophone magazine on the subject. Thanks to Tati and mikeoldfield.it! en españolSaturday, 3 November 2007 16 commentsEMI Japan has reissued Mike Oldfield's albums (2000 remasters) with miniaturized LP sleeve replicas of the original UK vinyl album artworks. Thanks, Kenji Hayata.Monday, 29 October 2007 6 comments The Sunday Times has published an article in which Mike Oldfield is interviewed about the Gloucestershire property he is selling. Thanks, Ratty.en españolSunday, 28 October 2007 13 comments Mike Oldfield has quit Britain where he is selling [link updated] his £3.5 million Gloucestershire mansion and is returning to Spain. This is London has an article where Mike explains he feels he lost his freedom because of the smoking ban and the health-and-safety culture. Sunday, 21 October 2007 98 commentsWe've had confirmation from Universal UK that the release date for Music of the Spheres has been moved back to late January. This is due to Mike being unavailable to promote the album for personal reasons. Thursday, 27 September 2007 129 commentsThe Music of the Spheres electronic press kit video is now available for download from the Universal Classics & Jazz German page. Thanks, oldfield.deUpdate Oct 22: The video is also available on Amazon.co.uk. Tuesday, 25 September 2007 42 commentsA new DVD ' The Best Of Night Of The Proms Volume 2', featuring Mike performing Tubular Bells at one of his Night Of The Proms appearances last year, has just been released. It's available to order from the Night Of The Proms website and costs 24 Euros plus delivery. Thanks, ProjectZTuesday, 18 September 2007 18 commentsA CCM 644 dual sport trail bike formerly owned by Mike Oldfield has come up for sale on eBay. The seller claims "IT HAS HIS NAME ON THE LOGBOOK AND I AM ASSURED HE WAS THE LAST OWNERS AS HE LIVES LOCAL." also adding that the bike "HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR BY ITS PREVIOUS OWNERS" Thanks, Benedikt MarkotaMonday, 17 September 2007 4 commentsIt's been announced that Music Of The Spheres will be released in Germany on November 9th - three days before the UK release. The album will be released only on CD in Germany, not on USB stick. Universal will be presenting the album at the Yellow Lounge event, associated with the trade fair Popkomm, at the Tape club in Berlin on September 18th. The event starts at 9pm, entry is 5 euros and it appears to be open to the public (though please check this for yourselves before travelling). The album will be played by a DJ; Mike Oldfield will not be appearing. Tape is at 14 Heidestraße in Moabit (just north of Berlin Hauptbahnhof). Update 19/9/07 - Mike made a surprise 5 minute appearance to answer questions. He hinted that he may consider doing more classical albums.
Thanks, Tubular World and Tati the SentinelTuesday, 11 September 2007 36 commentsFrom Universal, here are some short lo-fi streams of Music of the Spheres: Friday, 7 September 2007 197 commentsThe Daily Telegraph has published an article about Kevin Ayers' The Unfairground, his first solo album in 15 years. Jimi Hendrix, Syd Barrett, Robert Wyatt, Brian Eno, Elton John and Mike Oldfield are mentioned in the notes about his career. Thanks, Chris Simmons.Monday, 3 September 2007 8 commentsFrom the Music of the Spheres page at Amazon.co.uk: In this world, everything has a pulse or a vibration. This sound is unique to each living or non living thing and in itself creates a music that no-one can hear. I believe that this has a very powerful resonance with, and a deep effect, on our lives. What would happen if we took this further and apply this to bigger things , more powerful things ; like an entire solar system or galaxy say, what would that sound like?
Musica Universalis is the ancient theory that every celestial body, the sun, the moon and the stars has an inner music. This is a harmonic and mathematical concept derived from the movements of the planets in the solar system. The music created is inaudible to the human ear.
Music of the Spheres is my interpretation of this theory. Every planet and every star; even the whole universe has music within it that no-one can hear, this is what it would sound like if it was set free. This is Music of the Spheres.
Mike Oldfield.
Thanks, Neil Ince.Friday, 24 August 2007 31 comments Christophe Gevrey organise une rencontre de fans francophones de Mike Oldfield aux alentours de Genève le week-end du 17 et 18 novembre, tout prêt des lieux où Discovery a été composé et enregistré. Détails et inscriptions. Tuesday, 21 August 2007 6 commentsMike's 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 is for sale on eBay for GBP 9,000-11,000. Monday, 13 August 2007 21 commentsClassic FM's interview with Mike, including two short audio clips from Music Of The Spheres, is now available to download as a podcast from Classic FM's website. Thanks, DavidFriday, 10 August 2007 59 commentsMike Oldfield is a featured artist on the Universal Classics and Jazz website. Mike's page contains a biography, along with notes and artwork from Music of the Spheres. Thanks, Chris Simmons.Tuesday, 7 August 2007 36 commentsWe know many of you have been waiting for this! Now here it is, just in from Universal Music, the tracklisting for Music Of The Spheres: Part 11. Harbinger - 04.08 2. Animus - 03.09 3. Silhouette - 03.19 4. Shabda - 04.00 5. The Tempest - 05.48 6. Harbinger (reprise) - 01.30 7. On My Heart - 02.27 Featuring Hayley WestenraPart 28. Aurora - 03.42 9. Prophecy - 02.54 10. On My Heart (reprise) - 01.16 11. Harmonia Mundi - 03.46 12. The Other Side - 01.28 13. Empyrean - 01.37 14. Musica Universalis - 06.24 Total running time: 45.30 The album will be released on CD and also - for the very first time for a classical recording - on USB flash drive. Unfortunately the release date has been pushed back a week; the date for UK release is now November 12th. Monday, 23 July 2007 110 commentsUniversal have just confirmed with us that the UK release date of Mike's upcoming album, Music of the Spheres, will be November 5th. Update 23/7: The release date is now November 12thWe would like to stress that this information is accurate for the UK only; we have no information on when the album will be released in other parts of the world. The album can be pre-ordered from amazon.co.uk and play.com. Wednesday, 18 July 2007 40 commentsWe have heard from Universal that Mike's new album is now complete, and is currently being mastered. The title has been confirmed as Music Of The Spheres. There is no word yet on plans for the release, but watch this space! Thursday, 5 July 2007 84 commentsJoin us in Second Life in the Reader's Garden on Cybrary City II (33, 230, 22) for a book discussion of Changeling, led by Zippedy Zabelin. Time: Sunday, 15 July 2007 12PM SLT (same as Pacific Time). The program will focus on a series of respectful discussion questions. For information on joining Second Life, which offers free basic memberships, visit www.secondlife.com. [Location updated 04-07-07] Saturday, 30 June 2007 7 commentsThe Daily Mail WEEKEND magazine had a full page about Changeling focussing on an old photograph of Mike Oldfield's mother that inspired him to write his memoirs. tubular.eu.org has a scan. Saturday, 2 June 2007 5 commentsBonhams will have an auction on June 20th to sell Mike Oldfield's Fender Telecaster serial no. 180728 which was the only six-string electric guitar used to record 'Tubular Bells'. It's estimated between £25,000 and £35,000 that will go to the charity SANE. Saturday, 26 May 2007 18 comments Motor Cycle News has published a video interview with Mike about his motorbikes and how riding them inspired his new symphony projet, 'Music of the spheres'. Thanks, Sean Warwick.Wednesday, 23 May 2007 36 comments Mike Oldfield was interviewed on BBC One's Breakfast show to talk about Changeling, his mental health problems and Tubular Bells. The opening footage featured a clip from the 1973 live performance of Tubular Bells. Video. Thanks, Chris Simmons.Wednesday, 16 May 2007 12 commentsIn this weeks Music Week, Mike attacks EMI for giving away Tubular Bells as a covermount without having consulted him first. The move has also sparked debate about giving albums away free with newspapers, with particular focus being on Tubular Bells. Retailers have insisted it has affected genuine sales of the classic album. Thanks, Chris Simmons.Update May 22: The Mail on Sunday replies that sales of Tubular Bells have increased 30%, while music industry sources believe that 30% is actually not significant. Tuesday, 8 May 2007 33 commentsThe Mail on Sunday will offer a free Tubular Bells CD on April 22, along with Sir Richard Branson's secrets behind the creation of Tubular Bells. Thanks, Richard Patrick.Update: The article in the Mail on Sunday says: Mike Oldfield is currently working on his debut classical recording, for choir and orchestra, set for release through Universal in October. Using musical and lyrical themes associated with the ancient festival of Hallowe'en, this is powerful and emotional music that is bound to appeal to Mike Oldfield fans, and beyond. Sunday, 15 April 2007 51 commentsResolution magazine has published an exclusive interview with Mike Oldfield. Update: a video is available. Update #2: full transcript. Update #3: digital magazine. "I'm writing a piece of orchestral music. I'm making a demo of the whole thing, keeping all MIDI parts so that the MIDI parts can be transcribed into Sibelius and a proper orchestral score can be worked out. It'll be all orchestral apart from classical guitar and grand piano, I'll be playing those two instruments."
"It's going to be based around the festival of Halloween rather than the Hollywood horror film. The ancient festival goes back to BC. I'm talking to the composer Karl Jenkins about collaborating on it, hoping to record it somewhere special like Abbey Road No.1, and we'll do a live concert. The advantage of that is we'll have an orchestral score, which anyone in the world will be able to pick up and play."
"In my local record shop they've had the original Tubular Bells there since I'd lived there, and they put the new one up, and after a month they took that down and put the old one up... the production, and even the tuning doesn't matter, it's a force and energy, idiosyncrasies that give it it's character." (Via Matthew Cochrane of the Amarok Mike Oldfield Mailing List.)Saturday, 3 March 2007 166 commentsMike Oldfield's Charleston has been included on Röyksopp's mix for the 25th outing of the popular Back to Mine compilation series. Preorder at Amazon.co.uk. Thanks, Jørgen Brauti.Tuesday, 27 February 2007 10 commentsProducer Dave Williams and violin virtuoso Oliver Lewis' Deviations Projet is an interpretation mixing electronic sounds with acoustic violin of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells and other classic compositions from Fleetwood Mac, John Williams, Tchaïkovsky, Bach, Bizet and Saint-Saëns. Top40-Charts article. Saturday, 24 February 2007 Post a comment!According to this BeyondCron article, Voiceprint is about to release The Space Movie on DVD, featuring Mike Oldfield's music. Friday, 16 February 2007 17 commentsA Fairlight CMI keyboard, signed by 44 artists including Mike Oldfield, is on sale on eBay with a starting bid of... $100,000. Tuesday, 5 December 2006 9 commentsAccording to the 24 November 2006 edition of The Independent, Mike Oldfield's autobiography will be titled Changeling and published by Virgin in May. The complete blurb may be found here. Thanks to Tati for her vigilance! According to Thomas Shlueck, the book will contain 288 pages as well as illustrations. Update: You can preorder Changeling at Amazon.co.uk. Friday, 24 November 2006 59 commentsMike Oldfield has just acquired a new digital mixer linked to his Logic Pro software: an Euphonix System 5-MC. Euphonix has a press release with an interview and a photo of Mike, more at ease with knobs than a mouse. Mike will use it to re-master old projects in 5.1. Monday, 17 July 2006 33 commentsThe Chimpan A CD features the song " The Secret Wish" which contains samples of the Tubular Bells introduction. Mike Oldfield has approved it and is credited as cowriter. Thanks to producer Rob Reed for the tip.Monday, 10 July 2006 21 commentsThe Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will play the Orchestral Tubular Bells from Sep 14th to the 16th at the Adelaide Town Hall in Australia. Tickets are $67, book at BASS. Pianist Marc-André Hamelin and conductor Benjamin Northey will perform Brahms' 2nd concerto, Mozart's "Paris" symphony No. 31, and The Orchestral Tubular Bells Part 1 as arranged by David Bedford. Sunday, 25 June 2006 16 commentsThe Beacon, overlooking Hergest Ridge and home to Mike during his Ommadawn era, is for sale. Details regarding the property, including pictures of the Beacon and surrounding area, may be found here. Thanks to Moonchildhippy for the information.Sunday, 25 June 2006 37 commentsEagle Rock will release the 'Live At Montreux 1981' DVD on May 15. You can order it at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.co.uk. Tracklisting: - QE2 Medley: Taurus 1 / Sheba / Mirage - Platinum Parts 1-4 - Tubular Bells, Part 2 - Medley: Conflict / Ommadawn - Tubular Bells, Part One - Punkadiddle Running time: 105min Sound format: DTS, Dolby 5.1, PCM Stereo Thanks, Neil Ince. Wednesday, 12 April 2006 94 comments April Fool's Special On MikeOldfield.com Mike says he realized he cannot live without his trusty guitars when he was explaining why he sold them in his autobiography. Mike will contact the buyers to get them back. He also doesn't want to be remembered for "Tubular Bells" and is asking fans for suggestions for a new name, under which the classic album will be re-released. Update: the page has been removed Saturday, 1 April 2006 42 comments The Official Mike Oldfield Information Service has posted a video and a press release promoting The Platinum Collection. EMI has published a web page advertising it. Friday, 17 March 2006 5 commentsMike Oldfield will be on BBC Radio 2 Ken Bruce show in the next couple of weeks picking his favourite tracks. He will also be on BBC Radio Newcastles Julia Hankin show on March 10th. Tuesday, 28 February 2006 69 commentsMike will be Richard Allison's guest during the Steve Wright's Big Show on BBC Radio 2 this Thursday. Update: Mike said he is working on a very long instrumental, probably in 3 parts without any drum loops. A tour might follow. Wednesday, 22 February 2006 111 commentsMoonlight Shadow was played during the opening ceremony of the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Saturday, 11 February 2006 8 commentsFrom mikeoldfield.com: Hello you !
It has surely been a time of big changes and realisations these last few months, not least of which has been the writing of my Autobiography. This is nearing completion with the help of my co writer Jon Collins and hopefully will be published this year if not early next. During the process of bringing this book to life I have realised a great many things about myself and my position in the scheme of things. (Oh for the gift of hindsight !) This will surely influence my future personally and creatively.
I have contractually three and a half more years to work on a new piece of music so this will give it a chance to evolve and mature nicely. Meanwhile look out for some promotion for the Platinum Collection , the book , and who knows what else the fates may send. With all my best wishes :)
MikeJon Collins has a blog. Wednesday, 25 January 2006 81 commentsThe Beacon, located on Bradnor Hill outside of Kington, was home to Mike during his Ommadawn era. In its present incarnation it is a bed & breakfast, run by Robert & Shirley Pritchard. Many of Mike’s fans enjoy staying there while exploring Hergest Ridge, Offa’s Dyke, Bradnor Hill, Kington, the local pubs, etc. Robert and Shirley would like everyone to know that the Beacon is still up and running as a b & b, though they have dispensed with their website. You can find a description of the Beacon, contact information, and a few photos at http://uk.geocities.com/dickyhip@btinternet.com/BradnorBeacon.html. Sunday, 15 January 2006 16 commentsDespite initial problems with getting Christopher von Deylen into the chat room, I think everyone will agree that it was a very enjoyable evening once it got started! Sorry to all of you who had the same trouble as Christopher and couldn't get in - unfortunately, the problem was outside our control. We'd like to thank everyone who came and took part, and of course we want to give an even bigger thanks to Christopher von Deylen for coming to answer everyone's questions! A transcript of the interview and chat follows in the next posts on the forum - click the 'comments' link below to get there from the front page. Saturday, 14 January 2006 19 commentsThe Official Mike Oldfield Information Service has posted some details about the 'Platinum Collection' 3-CD set to be released by Virgin on March 13, 2006. Order it online from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, Amazon.fr. Tracklisting: CD1
1. Tubular Bells - Opening Theme 1973
2. Tubular Bells - Excerpt 1973
3. Sailor's Hornpipe 1973
4. Hergest Ridge - Excerpt 1974
5. Ommadawn - Excerpt 1975
6. Ommadawn - Excerpt 1975
7. In Dulci Jubilo 1975
8. Don Alfonso 1975
9. Portsmouth 1976
10. William Tell Overture 1976
11. Cuckoo Song 1977
12. Incantations - Part 4 Excerpt 1978
13. Platinum - Part 4 1979
14. Woodhenge 1979
CD2
1. Moonlight Shadow (Extended Version) 1983
2. Blue Peter 1979
3. Guilty - Long Version 1979
4. Arrival 1980
5. Wonderful Land 1980
6. Sheba 1980
7. Five Miles Out 1982
8. Family Man 1982
9. Mistake 1982
10. Shadow On The Wall (Extended Version) 1983
11. Foreign Affair 1983
12. In High Places 1983
13. Crime Of Passion 1983
14. Tricks Of The Light 1984
15. To France (Extended Version) 1984
16. Etude 1984
17. Evacuation 1984
CD3
1. Sentinel 1992
2. Pictures In The Dark 1985
3. Shine (Extended Version) 1986
4. Islands (12" Mix) 1987
5. Flying Start (12" Version) 1987
6. The Time Has Come (12" Version) 1987
7. Innocent (12" Mix) 1989
8. Earth Moving (Club Version) 1989
9. Amarok (Excerpt) 1990
10. Heaven's Open (12" Version) 1991
11. Hibernaculum 1994
12. Women Of Ireland 1996
13. Far Above The Clouds 1998
14. The Millennium Bell 1999
15. To Be Free 2002Wednesday, 11 January 2006 129 commentsFootage of Mike recording the theme tune for the BBC's Blue Peter programme in 1979 was repeated on the show earlier today. The entire feature about the recording of the theme tune is now available to watch on the BBC Website. Thanks, Ian HubballWednesday, 11 January 2006 37 commentsWe're very pleased to announce that Christopher von Deylen of Schiller will be joining us on Saturday 14th January for an online chat. The session will begin with a short live interview where Christopher will talk about his career, which will be followed by an opportunity to ask him about his recent collaborations with Mike Oldfield, Schiller's current album Tag und Nacht, or any other aspect of his work. The evening starts at 19:00 GMT, in the IRC channel #tubular.net on DALnet - irc.dal.netYou can join using any IRC client. Saturday, 7 January 2006 3 commentsWe'd like to welcome all of our visitors into 2006! 2005 was quite an exciting year as far as Mike Oldfield releases were concerned, with the highlights of course being Light + Shade and the Exposed DVD. We hope that yet more exciting things will appear in 2006! Thanks to all of you who have supported us - we hope you will stay with us to discover what more we have in store! Sunday, 1 January 2006 30 commentsAn Ikegami HL-79E professional video camera, used by Mike for The Wind Chimes, is currently up for sale on eBay. This is a private sale which we have no involvement with, so we can't take any responsibility for the seller's actions - please take the usual caution when buying. It should be noted that the camera is advertised as 3 CCD - it isn't, it's a tube camera (the seller says that he means colour combination device and not charged coupled device...make of that what you will). The auction ends very shortly! Thanks, David PorterFriday, 23 December 2005 Post a comment!In association with oldfield.de and oldfield.info, there will be an online chat with Jason Cluts, co-writer of Slipstream this Saturday at 22:00 GMT (that is 23:00 in the UK, 00:00 in mainland Europe). You can join via the oldfield.info chat interface or by using an IRC client and connecting to server irc.oldfield.info channel #mike_oldfield Wednesday, 19 October 2005 6 commentsAs mentioned in Paul Harris' interview with Philip Newell that was published in issue 25 of Dark Star, the rare Snowblind album by Tom Newman and produced by Philip Newell is now available again. Mike plays plucked Stratocaster and Fairlight (Vocals) on a track called For Old Times accompanied by Snowy White and Tom Newman. The album is available through Sergio Castro from the company Reflexion Arts in Spain. Payment is by paypal only to snowblindsergio@gmail.com. The price for the CD is 16,00€ for EU countries, £11.00 for UK and $19.50 for the rest of the world. Postage and packing within Spain is 1,00€ for the rest of the EU including the UK it is 3,00€, whilst for the rest of the world is 5,00€. Tuesday, 18 October 2005 Post a comment!The new Exposed DVD is available online at Amazon.co.uk for £13.99 and will be released on Oct 24. Update: Oct 31. Purchases via our Amazon links provide support to Tubular.net. Thanks! Update Oct 20 - According to shopEMI, it will be released on Nov 22 in Canada and will cost $21.11CDN. (Thanks, Keith Dawe.) Update Nov 07 - Available at Amazon.ca for $25.89CAN and at Amazon.com for $26.59. Tuesday, 18 October 2005 15 commentsSoundclips from Schiller's new album, Tag und Nacht, including Morgentau which features Mike Oldfield as guest, are available from the site of Universal Music Germany. Sunday, 9 October 2005 10 commentsScheduled for release on October 10th is a new CD of Robert Wyatt live at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane London. The concert includes Mike Oldfield on guitar, as well as many other guest musicians. This is the first time the recording has been officially released. The CD is being released by Hannibal records - more information can be found at Rykodisc/Hannibal's website. (Thanks to Giuliano Plenevici of mikeoldfield.it) Friday, 7 October 2005 12 commentsYou can order Light + Shade online at Amazon.com ($21.99) and Amazon.ca (CDN $16.99). Two bonus tracks seem to be included in some releases: Près de Toi, and Lakme (Fruity Loops). Update Sep 14 - the album is also available at Amazon.fr (EUR 16.13). Update Sep 18 - the album is also available at Amazon.co.uk (£11.99) and Amazon.de (EUR 22.99). Wednesday, 31 August 2005 189 commentsThe cover image for Light + Shade can now be seen at the website of Universal Spain. According to zm.nu, the first single from the album will be 'Surfing'. Update 29/8/05 - an updated, final version of the cover can now been seen in high resolution at oldfield.de, courtesy of Universal Germany, who also have a smaller version at mikeoldfield.de. Sunday, 21 August 2005 131 commentsOn mikeoldfield.com, Mike reports that he's completed a 5.1 mix of the album, and that four tracks will be available for listeners to mix themselves in the u-myx format. He's also done some ringtones! Saturday, 13 August 2005 58 commentsmikeoldfield.de now has a full tracklisting of the forthcoming Light and Shade album, including descriptions, and an interview (in German, of course). 13/8/05 - The same information is now available in English at mikeoldfield.comWednesday, 10 August 2005 162 comments According to Sendit.com, Exposed will be released on DVD on Sep 26, though spincds.com is now quoting a release date of October 24. It's also being listed at 101cd.com. The company releasing it appears to be Virgin/EMI. (update 17/8/05) Sunday, 31 July 2005 54 commentsAccording to Music Week magazine, Mike's entire back catalogue will be transferred to Mercury Records in 2008 as part of his new deal with them. This is in contradiction to the news we previously had here, saying that only Mike's Virgin back catalogue would be transferred to Mercury. Either way, this is an interesting development, and we'll try and get clarification on the details when possible. Friday, 3 June 2005 29 commentsFrom mikeoldfield.com: I am very pleased to announce that I have recently signed a three album deal with Mercury records, part of Universal Music Group.
The first Album which I am just putting the final touches to is a double Album for release around September 2005. The first Disk is made up of atmospheric "Ambient" or "Chillout" pieces. The second Disk is of more up-tempo tracks some of which are in the darker moodier vein. There are 18 tracks in all and they were created using my new virtual software studio mostly with lead melodies using all the different Guitars and "Grand Piano" The vocals were made using a new generation of software virtual vocalists.
Untitled as yet but maybe called "Quicksilver" Whadayathink
MikeFriday, 13 May 2005 226 commentsWe're very sad to report the passing of Pierre Moerlen, who unexpectedly died in his sleep on the night of May 2nd/3rd. He was 52. Pierre's contribution to Mike's music in the 1970s and 80s was huge, first appearing alongside Mike in the premiere performance of Tubular Bells in 1973, before going on to play percussion (including tympani, drums and vibraphone) on all of Mike's 1970s albums from Ommadawn onwards, and on the 1979 and 1980 tours. The frequency of their collaborations lessened during the 1980s, but Mike still made use of Pierre's tuned percussion skills on Crises and Islands, as well as giving Pierre cameo appearances in his Moonlight Shadow video and a TV performance of To France. Mike also returned the favour, guesting on Pierre Moerlen's Gong's Downwind and Gong Live albums. Pierre was unquestionably a superb musician, who will certainly be greatly missed by many, not least us here at tubular.net News from planetgong.co.uk, thanks to Captain Cavern for passing it onFriday, 6 May 2005 22 commentsApril Fool's Special Later this year, Microsoft will release a new version of its MSN messaging software. This new edition will be labelled MSN Platinum and use graphic elements from the Platinum album cover. Here is the new MSN logo (the final version could be slightly different). Bill Gates himself presented the project to a few journalists and analysts and said: "I'm a big fan, and I just love how Mike has learnt from the software industry, releasing an update to his product - Tubular Bells - every few years. Tubular Bells 2003 - a musical bug fix..." (Credits: Hans & Richard) Friday, 1 April 2005 22 comments Due to popular request, there are currently signed copies of Tres Lunas (including a registration key for the game) and The Songs Of Distant Earth up for auction on mikeoldfield.com. Tuesday, 22 March 2005 5 commentsThere has been much talk over the past few months of a DVD titled "Mike Oldfield - Live In Montreux 1981" which has appeared for pre-order on nlstore.nl. We had been waiting for confirmation of this news from PIAS, the record company who are supposedly releasing this title, but unfortunately they have declined to reply to our queries. Their website contains no details about the release. There have been cases in the past where such things have turned out to be not what they at first appeared, so keep watching this space for further news. It does appear, however, that PIAS are responsible for a whole series of Live In Montreux DVDs from various artists (thanks to Rob van Knegsel for the tipoff), which makes it look more likely that the release is for real. The release is scheduled for May 16th. Update: It has emerged that the DVD will be released worldwide by Eagle Rock. PIAS appear to have put back their release date to December 31st 2005, while Eagle Rock are now saying they have no firm release date, but have indicated some time in 2006. Thursday, 3 March 2005 43 commentsAs every year, thank you all for participating in tubular.net, for your submissions of tabs or MIDI files, your posts in the forums, your news tips, your clicks on the Google ads, etc. Thanks! In 2005, tubular.net will move to a new dedicated server and new hosting company which will allow us to have more bandwidth and host fans' music and stuff like that. We also plan to have a rumors section, probably somewhere in the right column, which will be reorganized and simplified. Best wishes to Mike & Fanny, and all the tubular.net community in 2005! Sunday, 2 January 2005 10 commentsmikeoldfield.org has posted a review of the newly released Elements DVD. You can order if from Amazon.co.uk (PAL, all regions), Amazon.ca (NTSC, all regions), and Amazon.fr (PAL, region 2). Update: We have created a forum to talk about the DVD. Sunday, 28 November 2004 47 commentsAn auctions area has been added to mikeoldfield.com, with categories for selling all manner of items. The only request is that items should be "related to Mike and Music". Tuesday, 21 September 2004 12 commentsAccording to listings with two online retailers, it appears that EMI (owners of Virgin) are set to release a DVD edition of the Elements video. First mentioned in Record Collector magazine recently, details have now appeared on sendit.com and Amazon.co.uk. Sendit.com gives the tracklisting as follows: Tubular Bells (Part 1)', 'Don Alfonso', 'In Dolci Jubilo', 'Portsmouth', 'William Tell Overture', 'Guilty', 'Blue Peter', 'Wonderful Land', 'Five Miles Out', 'Moonlight Shadow', 'Shadow On The Wall', 'Crime Of Passion', 'Tricks Of The Light', 'To France', 'Etude', 'Pictures In The Dark', 'Shine', 'Innocent', 'Earth Moving' and 'Heavens Open'. Amazon, meanwhile, give the somewhat odd sounding listing of special features as being 'The Space Movie', 'The Wind Chimes' and 'Innocent (animated version)'. The inclusion of Don Alfonso in sendit.com's track listing is also intriguing, to say the least. The date given is October 11th, though we've heard that this date may no longer be accurate. More news will naturally follow when we get it. [Updated Oct 9] New release date: November 29th [Updated Oct 22] Tracklisting and release date confirmed by Virgin Music GermanyWednesday, 1 September 2004 67 commentsAfter being up in an in-progress state for a few days, musicvr.com has finally launched. It forms a base for Mike's new Music VR community, which has been named 'The Music VR Club'. The site currently offers a forum for the club's members, with the opportunity to meet other users and gain technical support. The administrators want to make clear though, that it is for discussing Music VR only, not Mike's music. Membership is free to anyone with a Music VR registration key. Wednesday, 1 September 2004 7 comments150 limited edition Maestro posters (A1 format: 594mm x 841mm) individually signed by Mike "will be available next week" on mikeoldfield.com for £35. (Thanks, Uwe Lohse) Monday, 26 July 2004 49 commentsA Washburn Mirage Deluxe guitar owned by Mike Oldfield is currently for sale. The guitar is in purple-red finish, and was used by Mike on the Discovery tour. It has been described to me as a 'semi acoustic', but I believe it's a solid bodied electroacoustic. The guitar is coming directly from Mike, so authenticity is guaranteed - it will also come accompanied by a signed note of authenticity. The asking price is £500, UK buyers are preferred. Updated Jul 9 Guitar sold to Hubert Razack. Photos and samples.Monday, 5 July 2004 14 commentsWe've just been told that Mike will be the guest of Mick Brown on 'From The Bottom To The Top' on Capital Gold radio at 11am on Sunday. The show will feature a rundown of the UK charts of 2nd July 1983, when Moonlight Shadow was at number 4. Capital Gold can be heard online (click on the 'listen now' link at the top right of the page - Windows Media Player is required), or if you're in the UK, via AM radio (depending on your location), digital radio, cable and satellite - see their frequencies page for more information. Thanks to Roy Salsbury for the tipoff!Saturday, 3 July 2004 11 commentsTim Unwin has launched oldfield.info, a site hosting "various community-oriented projects based around the work of Mike Oldfield". Already available are a forum, a chat room, the official MusicVR bulletin board, and the screenshot gallery and competition. Each month, Fanny Oldfield will select one winning screenshot. Sunday, 27 June 2004 4 commentsmikeoldfield.com has put online scans of articles and interviews about Maestro and Mike's future album in Internet Magazine (June) and The Times (Jun 24). Thursday, 24 June 2004 20 commentsThere's been a rumour going round for a while that Mike will be appearing in Spain together with Luar na Lubre as part of Xacobeo 2004. I've been awaiting more definite confirmation before posting anything here about it, and it's come - Fanny Oldfield tells me that she's heard nothing about the concert, and so, unfortunately, it would seem to be nothing more than a hopeful rumour. Xacobeo's organisers are however still contradicting this news, saying that he will appear, on August 7th, together with Luar Na Lubre in Nigrán (Pontevedra). Update 16/6/04 - Luar Na Lubre's management also tell me that they have heard nothing about Mike's involvement, and believe that Xacobeo's organisers have made a mistake.
Update 2/8/04 - Mike's name has been removed from the listing on the Xacobeo web page.Wednesday, 9 June 2004 24 commentsFrom Mike's message board at mikeoldfield.com: Join me on Tuesday 6th April at about 2.15 pm as Avatars on BBC London Radio.
I will have my Laptop with me and will post my ip on the bulletin board as soon as I hook up.
Let's talk to LONDON!BBC London can be heard on 94.9MHz (FM) in the London area. It's also possible to listen over the internet, via their web page (click 'launch media player' and then 'BBC London 94.9fm - listen online now'. You will need RealPlayer to be able to listen). Please note that the UK is currently 1 hour ahead of GMT, so Mike will be on at 13:15 GMT, meaning 15:15 CEST (most of mainland Europe). Saturday, 3 April 2004 21 commentsOur 2004 April Fool's day spoof item:I was very interested to receive a CD with an electronic press kit from Casio yesterday, including the following press release: 31st March 2004: Casio Electronics Co. Ltd today launches the C-TB 2004 Guitar Synthesiser, an exciting collaboration between Casio and world renowned instrumental musician Mike Oldfield, which incorporates advanced sound technology and a newly designed note tracking system in a stylish and portable design.
The C-TB 2004 includes Casio's advanced HL (Highly-compressed Large-waveform) sound generation chip to provide sounds which are stunningly realistic, with breathtaking realism. Fans of Oldfield's work will rejoice in the inclusion of sounds designed by Oldfield himself, including recreations of the plaintive saxophone featured on his 2002 album Tres Lunas, and the powerful bass from 'Introduction' on Tubular Bells 2003. The C-TB 2004 also includes Casio's new Auto Composer technology, which allows even novices to sound like accomplished musicians and produce polished sounding tracks at the push of a button. Pads on the front panel allow the triggering of any of the C-TB 2004's 100 percussion and sound effects samples, adding spice to any performance. Meanwhile, a built-in ported loudspeaker system means that the C-TB 2004 is able to share its sounds with the outside world without the need for any additional equipment. Simply insert 6 D-Size batteries and the C-TB 2004 is ready to rock anywhere, any time!
Using piezoelectric triggers and strings made from an advanced unbreakable polymer, together with a powerful onboard computer, the C-TB 2004 is capable of tracking of a level far in advance of systems which have gone before it. It also introduces the innovation of a fretless fingerboard, allowing exciting pitch-bend possibilities, along with VF Virtual Fret technology for emulating the behaviour of a fretted guitar.
"It's a fantastic instrument," says Oldfield "Being able to play it anywhere is great, and some of the sounds are brilliant. I've been using guitar synthesisers since the 80s, but this one is really how I always thought they should be. The Auto Composer a real bonus and has already provided me with some fantastic ideas. I'm very much looking forward to using it on my next album".Also included was an image of the guitar and an audio demo by Mike. They promise that details will follow shortly on their website. This looks to be a very exciting development not just for fans of Mike, but music technology enthusiasts in general. Wednesday, 31 March 2004 32 comments Noble PR has published a press release about Maestro, along with a biography, gameplay information, and screenshots. Maestro will be launched on Apr 12. Tuesday, 2 March 2004 8 commentsMany fans have noticed an article in the Maltese Times about a bid to bring Mike there to perform at the celebration of Malta's entry into the European Union on April 30th. We feel it should be made clear that the bid involving Mike was not accepted, and that as plans stand, Mike will not be appearing in Malta. Instead, 15 minutes from Roger Waters's new rock opera will be played, together with a light show. Also with the winning team is Gert Hof, who worked as lighting designer for the Art In Heaven show in Berlin. Tuesday, 24 February 2004 6 commentsmikeoldfield.com has now been updated with a new design, including a section on Maestro, the new Tube World game (with a downloadable demo). Also new is a forum for discussion and technical support. Mike is now planning his next album, of "simple atmospheres and melodies". 15 February - The Maestro page has been updated to include promotional information on the game. The price will be £14.95 to download, or £18.00 including postage and packing via mail.26 May - Mike mentions on his forum that he is working on the new album using many new tools and techniques, and that he thinks "you will be surprised and [...] delighted with the finished work"Friday, 30 January 2004 49 commentsThe Tubular Bells 2003 DVD-Audio has been released in Spain. (Thanks, Lord Of The Bells) You can get it at Amazon.co.uk (£11.99). The Tubular Bells DVD box is also available (£26.24). It will be released in Japan on Feb 18 and in North America on Feb 24 by Rhino. HighFidelityReview has published another news story about it. Thursday, 15 January 2004 27 commentsWell, 2003 is over... Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. In 2003, the forums have grown to something pretty amazing and some creativity has emerged from them. Thanks for your participation. 2004 should bring some improvements to the site, even with our tight budget. Best wishes to Fanny and Mike, and best wishes to the tubular.net community, peace and health for you and yours. Wednesday, 31 December 2003 18 commentsOn www.mikeoldfield.com, Mike says that The Tube World is being tested and should be released in early 2004. Mike is looking for a new title for the game. You can use this forum to post your suggestions. 5/12/03 Some new pictures have been added.Wednesday, 3 December 2003 17 commentsWarner has informed HighFidelityReview.com that the DVD-Audio version of Tubular Bells 2003 has been delayed, perhaps until early 2004. Monday, 1 December 2003 6 commentsmikeoldfield.com has reproduced the interview given by Mike to Hi-Fi News in November. Saturday, 22 November 2003 7 commentsStuart M. Robinson has published an extensive review of the Tubular Bells 2003 DVD-A on HighFidelityReview.com. No, HighFidelityReview.com is not the new official Mike Oldfield news service... ;-)Monday, 13 October 2003 20 commentsHighFidelityReview.com reports that the Tubular Bells 2003 DVD-A will be released on Nov 03 in UK and will include excerpts from the original Tubular Bells demos. Update: seems to be delayed until Dec 1 (2003) The DVD audio/video box set including Tubular Bells 2003 DVD-A, Tubular Bells II (Edinburgh Castle) DVD, Tubular Bells III (Horseguard’s Parade) DVD, and The Millennium Bell (Berlin) DVD will be released on Nov 17 and will cost £35. Update: Nov 24. Update: Jan 2004. Tuesday, 7 October 2003 29 comments There is a two page interview with Mike in the current issue of Guitarist magazine (November 2003, issue 242). He talks about re-recording Tubular Bells, his reasons for not touring, and there is a small half-page feature on some of the guitars in Mike's collection. Tuesday, 23 September 2003 37 commentsThe Tubular Bells 2003 DVD-A artwork is available at mikeoldfield.com], where Mike also says that his next project is a 5.1 mix of Ommadawn to be released in the first half of 2004. Contrary to Warner, Mike says that the DVD will include the original Tubular Bells demos. The Tube World should be finished for Christmas. Wednesday, 27 August 2003 67 commentsBorders is selling in the US copies of Tubular Bells 2003 with "Featured in the upcoming EXORCIST: The Beginning" stickers. There is no copy protection, and no import stickers. (Thanks Christopher Hopkins) Sunday, 17 August 2003 15 commentsAccording to blackstar.co.uk, Warner will release a Tubular Bells II / Tubular Bells III / The Millennium Bell / Tubular Bells 2003 audio DVD box set on Oct 13 in UK. [Updt Aug 26] A press release confirms the release of a DVD-A for Oct 13 in UK. No mention of a DVD box set. [Updt] Nov 03. Nov 10 for the box set. [Updt] Dec 01. Nov 24 for the box set. [Updt] Jan 2004 for the box set. Dont' worry, we'll keep you updated... ;-) Saturday, 16 August 2003 23 commentsMike's old NEVE 8108 32 channels console is for sale for 38,000 euros. Friday, 8 August 2003 38 commentsMike did a short interview with The Guardian on Jul 31. He dismisses complaints from fans over copy protection as being because they want to pirate the album and can't. The fans disagree... Monday, 4 August 2003 50 commentsAccording to High Fidelity Review, the DVD-Audio version of ' Tubular Bells 2003' will be released on Aug 25 [update: in october] [update: on Nov 03] [update: on Dec 01]. It will encompass 3 audio tracks: 3/2.1 surround, DTS 3/2.1 surround, and Dolby Digital 2/0.0 stereo. The extras will include video extracts from 'Tubular Bells II' and 'Tubular Bells III' DVD-Video releases in Dolby Digital 3/2.1 and linear PCM stereo, along with a photo gallery, discography and "5.1 Production Notes" written by audio engineer Ben Darlow. Sunday, 29 June 2003 5 commentsA demo of The Tube World, Mike's new 3D game, is available for download. Tuesday, 10 June 2003 60 commentsDuring webchats and Q&A on BBC Radio 2 ( transcript) and Los40 ( English translation by Maria), Mike said that he may do a 5.1 mix for Ommadawn and confirmed there will be no Tubular Bells 2003 concert. Thursday, 22 May 2003 16 commentsHappy Birthday, Mike!Wednesday, 14 May 2003 89 comments According to Warner Spain, Mike will be in Spain on May 22, 23 and 24 to launch Tubular Bells 2003. Updated May 12: there will be a press conference on May 22 at 12:00 at Palacee de los Duqes de Pastrana (Palacio de la Once). Journalists will be able to listen to the 5.1 mix of Tubular Bells 2003 from 11:00. Spanish ad (326K JPEG) annoucing the release for May 27. (Thanks, Santi Ruiz) Saturday, 3 May 2003 | 
