And yet, in the same week, the Chinese authorities allowed Bob Dylan to play a gig for the first time. Not without imposing conditions, mind you. His set list had to be submitted for approval, and any songs that could be interpreted as offensive to the government had to be dropped. He was bound to adhere

“strictly… to an approved programme”.

Apparently, Chinese officials have been reluctant to allow big Western names to play in China since Bjork’s outburst in 2008, when she chanted pro-independence messages for Tibet. Now, they allegedly check the records, and particularly opinions, of any artists who want to play in China, to ensure they do not hold views that go against those of the government.

In Britain, too we occasionally refuse entry to famous artists – US singer Chris Brown was refused a visa for the UK last year by the Home Office on the grounds for being guilty of a serious offence.

LCD Soundsystem played their last gig (3 ½ hours long) last Saturday. When tickets went on sale, they sold out in 15 seconds.

No surprise then, when touts started selling tickets for as much as $1,500 to see the band that has been going for 10 years and released three albums and nineteen singles.

LCD frontman James Murphy tweeted in response to the prices: “NO MATTER WHAT WE DO, IT IS NOT WORTH THAT KIND OF MONEY TO SEE US!”

This was a popular funeral, though, and neither Murphy nor the touts seemed to put people off. There have been some though who see more of a cynical stunt in this event.

As this is just the end of a project for Murphy, could the spectacular end of LCD Soundsystem be an attempt to promote future solo work, or is it refreshing to see a band go out with a bang rather than clinging on until the bitter end? Either way, would have been good to be able to judge for myself…

I know that the price of things has gone up – but are the artists giving us more bang for our buck? Some do, some don’t – the likes of Lady GaGa rarely disappoint, and the Take That shows look awesome, but when you see other artists that pop on stage, sing, and leave again, what’s the point?

Well, in all fairness I like them both, but thinking back, I much preferred the big events in my late teens and early-mid twenties, but now I’m late twenties (and yes, approaching 30) I much prefer the smaller stuff.

I think that this is because the big events are now so commercial, I can barely differentiate the music from that of others.

Although Snoop has also recently received his UK visa, other American music stars haven’t been granted the same right. After being convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna, R&B singer Chris Brown has been refused entry to the UK.

Whilst many will be happy that the UK Home Office is taking such a firm stand on visas for convicted criminals, Brown’s fans will be disappointed that his UK tour has been postponed indefinitely.

Set designers including Kylie Minogue’s main man William Baker – using David Bowie’s 1986 fantasy adventure as ample inspiration – produced a lavish backdrop for Leona, who performed her hits ‘Bleeding Love’ and ‘Happy’ amongst others in an equally vamped-up costume. Despite wearing some pretty sexy hoods and thigh-high leather boots, Leona maintains she will never be as sexed-up on stage as Rihanna or Lady Gaga.

Speaking of the new tour – which has received mainly positive reviews so far – Leona has said:

“I’ve been so excited about this tour. I get to unleash my childhood fantasies and be a princess.”

Its no surprise then that the Black Eyes Peas are going to be her support act! that’s right! Its a massive surprise for me that the Black Eyes Pea are doing this, mainly because they have released what is said to be their last album together and for them to then tour only as a supporting act is a surprise when they could steal the show themselves, who knows maybe that’s the plan!

Either way you will be able to see them on tour in places like Manchester, London and Birmingham, if you want tickets i would move fast because i expect they wont be around for long.