“I don’t really like comedians on this show… But I love you!” That was the reaction of head judge Simon Cowell as he reached for the golden buzzer, after Kojo Anim’s first audition on the 2019 series of Britain’s Got Talent, propelling Kojo straight into the live semi-finals. Stunned, the 39-year old stand-up comedian [...]
One of the rising stars of the European jazz scene makes a welcome return to the UK, this month, with a date in Leeds that is a must for jazz lovers. Multi-award winning pianist and composer Kathrine Windfeld has been described as one of the names of the future by the likes of The [...]
It is now 10 years since the death of the ‘King Of Pop’, Michael Jackson, in June 2009 but his music remains as popular and influential as ever. Ben Bowman, renowned as the UK’s leading Michael Jackson tribute artist, is currently on a nationwide tour with his spectacular show Michael Starring Ben. “I was [...]
This autumn Squeeze are heading out on the road with The Difford And Tilbrook Songbook Tour, enjoying a renaissance and on a high after a very successful trip to America. “Yes, we’re looking forward to it very much indeed,” melody maestro Glenn Tilbrook told me. “We’ve just finished touring in America and the reception [...]
Thirty years ago, as Europe was going through huge changes with the fall of the Berlin Wall and a new wave of optimism, Welsh band The Alarm were at their creative peak with a trilogy of albums The Eye Of The Hurricane, Electric Folklore and Change. The Alarm’s lead singer, songwriter and guitarist, Mike [...]
Internationally renowned Swedish hardcore punk band Refused are returning the UK for a short autumn tour co-headlining with American band Thrice. Refused’s previous visits to the UK have included the major festivals at Download and Reading & Leeds and they also have a new album War Music released on 18th October. Vocalist Dennis Lyxzén [...]
A contemporary take on familiar tracks (BMG Records, out Fri 27 September 2019) Fifty years ago John Lodge was at the very heart of a musical revolution as bass guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with The Moody Blues. I was delighted, therefore, to learn that he is set to release a long overdue collection of [...]
A ‘one-off’ special performance for the BBC has, unexpectedly, become a UK tour for Beverley Knight. Britain’s ‘Queen of Soul’ will celebrate the songs of Motown legend Stevie Wonder in a 10-date show that tours the UK in October. Beverley performed a special concert recorded for BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’ [...]
Steve Hackett, guitarist in the classic Genesis line-up of the 1970s, is back on the road in November and many of the shows in his 20-date UK tour have already sold out. For the first time, Steve and his band will perform the seminal 1973 Genesis album Selling England By The Pound in its [...]
Karam Singh, Derby’s breakdancing World Champion, was one of 10 recipients of a pavement star when the second phase of Made In Derby stars were unveiled on Saturday. The 21-year old is the youngest recipient of a star. After unveiling his plaque, Karam joined Derby breakdancing crew Trinity Warriors for a spectacular impromptu demonstration. [...]