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The “worst” performance Phil Collins never wanted to play again
Phil Collins reportedly regarded his appearance at Live Aid in 1985 as one of his worst performances, largely because of the exhausting and complicated journey involved. He played both the London and Philadelphia concerts on the same day, attempting to support the global charity event despite limited preparation and logistical difficulties. After performing at Wembley…
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Watch The Strokes record ‘Reality Awaits’ in ‘In Transit: Part II’ – over 20 years on from original mini-doc
The Strokes have released a 10-minute behind-the-scenes film, ‘In Transit: Part II’, alongside their seventh album, ‘Reality Awaits’. The video revisits the informal style of the band’s 2001 mini-documentary ‘In Transit’, offering fans a nostalgic contrast between their early touring years and their current recording environment. Directed by Johann Rashid, the sequel was filmed during…
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Blackpink’s Jennie Debuts Wistful Single ‘Less Than a Lover’
Blackpink member Jennie has released a new solo single, ‘Less Than a Lover’, accompanied by a cinematic music video. The summery, ethereal track explores a relationship occupying the space between friendship and romance, and extends her solo activity while Blackpink continues its return. Jennie previewed the song during her Governors Ball headline set in New…
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Cristian Volpato’s licence suspended after alleged cocaine roadside test
Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato has had his international driving licence suspended for six months after police stopped him twice for alleged speeding in Sydney and said he returned a positive roadside cocaine test. The result remains subject to further analysis, while New South Wales Police continue their inquiries; Football Australia and the players’ union said…
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“I was writing with all these rock bands because that’s who wanted to hire me. I did OK with that.” The 10 songs that influenced Desmond Child the most
Desmond Child reflects on the 10 songs that shaped him as a songwriter, linking their influence to his work creating large, emotionally direct rock hits. – Child says reports of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers playing Living On A Prayer across the front line were moving. – He is credited with co-writing major hits including You…
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Unsayable by Michael Cunningham review – The Hours author on the insecurities that powered his creative life
Michael Cunningham’s Unsayable is presented as a memoir and writing guide in which the author of The Hours examines the insecurity, embarrassment and pain that have shaped his creative life. The review argues that its central concern is the gap between language and experience, and suggests that literary success did not remove Cunningham’s fear of…
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‘A small snippet’: what pubs make of Burnham’s £100m rates giveaway
Andy Burnham’s new government has announced a 20% business-rates reduction for pubs, clubs and live music venues, costing £100m, as part of efforts to support high streets and slow pub closures. Publicans welcomed the signal of support but said the relief would make only a limited difference because VAT, wages, employer taxes, energy and other…
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The 2008 movie that crushed Riz Ahmed’s spirit: “Well, that’s it, it’s done”
Riz Ahmed said missing out on a role in Danny Boyle’s 2008 film *Slumdog Millionaire* left him feeling that opportunities for young British South Asian actors were exceptionally scarce. The rejection briefly made him fear that a comparable leading role would not appear again, illustrating the limited representation he perceived in the industry at the…
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How to upgrade your Heroes in DragonSword: Awakening? Karma, level up, and more
DragonSword: Awakening lets players strengthen heroes through levelling, breakthroughs, awakening, Karma and skill upgrades. These systems raise base statistics, alter weapon effects and unlock stronger abilities, allowing teams to be tailored for different combat roles. – Levelling uses Combat Texts from quests, chests and other activities; heroes hit progression caps, beginning at level 20, which…
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Rubio says U.S. is ready to help end war in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is prepared to help end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but that no rapid agreement is in prospect. His comments underline that previous US-mediated efforts have stalled and that any settlement would need terms acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv. Rubio spoke after meeting Russian Foreign…