OHMYGOSSIP — Snoop Dogg thinks Kendrick Lamar’s hit ‘Not Like Us’ “unified the West”.
The hip hop icon made sure to stay out of the high profile row earlier this year between Kendrick and Drake, but he has heaped praise on the way the former’s track brought the West Coast music scene – and rival gangs – together.
Speaking to ‘Drink Champs’ at ComplexCon, he said: “Let me tell you what that record did do. It unified the West.
“So, it may have been disrespectful, but it’s hip-hop, so it’s part of hip-hop. I chose no sides because I have no individual cause.
“That’s a grown man going against a grown man. But what it did do was unite the West, and make everybody out here start looking at each other like how much love we got for each other.”
The 53-year-old ‘Gin and Juice’ hitmaker insisted the song was instrumental in turning rival gang members into “real friends”.
He added: “The Bloods had a peace treaty. You had certain Crip gangs that came together and became real friends as opposed to being enemies.
“So, that record did a lot for us on the West as far as uniting, so we should speak on that.”
Earlier this year, Snoop – who is releasing new album ‘Missionary’ with Dr Dre next month – had kind words for Kendrick after his ‘Pop Out’ show, as he hailed the rapper “King of the West”.
He said in a social media video at the time: “Sending a big shout-out to K. Dot and all the homies in the West that stood together, unified, organised in peace, love.
“That was beautiful, that was fun to watch. Beautiful to see all my peoples come together.
“And K. Dot, you are the King of the West. That’s the kind of s*** kings do, we unite, bring people together.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Miley Cyrus’ new album ‘Something Beautiful’ has been inspired by ‘The Wall’.
The ‘Wrecking Ball’ hitmaker is working on the follow-up to last year’s ‘Endless Summer Vacation’ and she has taken influence from Pink Floyd’s iconic 1979 rock opera, having seen the 1982 film adaptation of the album as a teenager.
She told Harper’s Bazaar magazine: “We really leaned in. And so I have this heart-first attachment to it.
“My idea was making The Wall, but with a better wardrobe and more glamorous and filled with pop culture.”
Director Panos Cosmatos added: “[The album is] more experimental than anything she’s ever done, but in a pop way that I love.”
Miley explained that the “visual component” of the album “is driving the sound”, and each track should be able to heal someone.
She said: “It was important for me that every song has these healing sound properties.
“The songs, whether they’re about destruction or heartbreak or death, they’re presented in a way that is beautiful, because the nastiest times of our life do have a point of beauty.
“They are the shadow, they are the charcoal, they are the shading. You can’t have a painting without highlights and contrast.”
The ‘Flowers’ singer described the work as “hypnotising and glamorous” and something that she hopes can help people.
She explained: “It’s a concept album that’s an attempt to medicate somewhat of a sick culture through music.”
And she insisted people shouldn’t try to “imitate” her, as she wants the connection to go even deeper.
She said: “I would like to be a human psychedelic for people. I don’t want anyone trying to be like me or imitate me or even be inspired by me.
“I want to impact frequencies in your body that make you vibrate at a different level.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Fleetwood Mac’s “trials and tribulations” are set to explored in a new “fully authorised” documentary.
Directed by Frank Marshall, the Apple Original Films and Apple TV+ film will chronicle the legendary group’s “extraordinary story” in their own words.
Referencing their 1977 album ‘Rumours’, they announced on social media: ‘Dreams’ hitmakers announced on social media: “It’s not a Rumour. From director Frank Marshall, this Apple Original Films documentary will take you on the epic journey of the generation-defining Fleetwood Mac.”
The synopsis reads: “The film will explore how the band’s trials and tribulations, personal resilience, and musical dexterity combined to create songs that have stood the test of time and are enduring masterpieces. It will take fans through the highs and lows of their brilliant career, illuminating the exceptional ingredients each member brought to the band’s uncommon alchemy — a musical union that sold more than 220 million records worldwide.”
Apple said: “The documentary will explore what allowed this combination of artists to create singular musical work again and again, and what drew them back together and held them there when every possible pressure, both outside and inside the band, threatened to blow them apart.”
As well as new interviews with the group’s surviving members – Stevie Nicks, 76, Mick Fleetwood, 77, John McVie, 78, and 75-year-old former guitarist Lindsey Buckingham – there will be archival interviews with the late Christine McVie and “never-before-seen” footage.
The director said: “I am fascinated by how this incredible story of enormous musical achievement came about. Fleetwood Mac somehow managed to merge their often chaotic and almost operatic personal lives into their own tale in real-time, which then became legend. This will be a film about the music and the people who created it.”
While fans will be delighted about the documentary, frontwoman Stevie has insisted the band see “no reason” to continue without their beloved keyboard player and vocalist, who died in November at the age of 79, after a stroke and cancer battle, because they “can’t go any further”.
Speaking to Vulture, she said: “When Christine died, I felt like you can’t replace her. You just can’t.
“Without her, what is it? You know what I mean? She was like my soul mate, my musical soul mate, and my best friend that I spent more time with than any of my other best friends outside of Fleetwood Mac. Christine was my best friend.”
The ‘Go Your Own Way’ singer confessed that she and Christine felt like they were “on our own” in the band and “protected each other”.
She added: “When I think about Taylor Swift’s song ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid’ and the line ‘you always have been,’ it was like, that was Christine and I. We were on our own in that band. We always were. We protected each other. Who am I going to look over to on the right and have them not be there behind that Hammond organ? When she died, I figured we really can’t go any further with this. There’s no reason to.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Post Malone is heading out on a massive US stadium tour next year.
The 29-year-old star will kick off his 25-date trek – dubbed ‘The Big A** Stadium Tour’ – in Salt Lake City, Utah in April with stops in cities including Miami, Washington, D.C., Glendale, Detroit, New York and Minneapolis before wrapping up in San Francisco, California on July 1, and he’ll be taking Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell along as his opening acts.
The star announced the news by sharing the tour poster on Instagram and writing: “The BIG A** Stadium Tour 2025 with @jellyroll615 and @sierraelizabethferrell sponsored by @tmobile. Swipe for dates and link in bio with all the on-sale info. I love you all so very much!”
The poster also dropped major clues that Post Malone will be performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California in April.
Two dates in Indio have been listed for April 13 and April 20 which align with the festival.
The tour comes after the star dropped his latest album ‘F-1 Trillion’ which features the track ‘Yours’ – inspired by his baby daughter.
The music star and his fiancée Jamie welcomed their little girl – who they have not publicly named but whose initials DDP are tattooed on his forehead – two years ago and Post says her birth was a turning point for him.
Speaking to Anthony Mason on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’, he said: “I’ll never forget her. If you heard her cry, you’ll never forget her, either! It changes your life in the best way ever. And the most beautiful thing is, she has a beautiful mom.”
Explaining that he was dealing with “loneliness” four years ago, Post said: “Four years ago, I was on a rough path. It was terrible. Getting up, having a good cry, drinking and then going living your life.
“And then whenever you go lay down, drinking some more and having a good cry. And just like, ‘I gotta wake up tomorrow and do this again.’
“And I don’t feel like that anymore. And it’s the most amazing thing. I needed to [do it] for myself, to figure who I am.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — FLO doubt they would be able to cope with the “very difficult” music business if they weren’t a group.
The popular trio – comprising Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer – have enjoyed a string of successes since forming in 2019, including being crowned the winner of the 2023 BBC Sound of… poll and the BRITs Rising Star award, while their debut album ‘Access All Areas’ has peaked at number three on the Official UK Chart.
However, they admit they arrived at the industry at a time when it’s not easy on the artists, especially with social media and the “negativity” that comes with it, and so they are glad they can lean on each other when things get tough.
Jorja told the Metro: “This industry is very … it’s just difficult. This day and age is difficult.
“The things that new generation artists have to deal with, social media and all of the negativity that’s out there in the world at the moment, it’s just very difficult for any artist.”
Noting how girl groups aren’t so common these days, she continued: “So I think there being more than one artist [in a group] to some people it might be a scary thought. And even with labels, thinking there’s this new breed of children and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if we can deal with more than one of them.'”
Stella added: “The thing that’s kept us going the most is each other.
“I think that if we didn’t have each other, we probably would not be here with you right now.”
Jorja said: “Or on this earth to be honest.”
The trio noted how girl groups today – including themselves – have more control over their sound and image compared to manufactured groups such as the Spice Girls and Girls Aloud in the ‘90s and noughties.
Jorja said: “They’re definitely on their way back.
“I think a girl group now compared to what girl groups were before is completely different.
“Before it was obviously the most successful time for girl groups, it definitely was a sure way for a label to make money, and I think it was all obviously manufactured – more so than now – but the music was incredible.
“But I think now it feels more led by the artist. Definitely in our case, nobody can tell us what we’re going to put out, what this is going to look like, what that’s going to sound like.
“So, it’s a good resurgence that’s coming back.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Louis Tomlinson’s support act Andrew Cushin has admitted it was “very daunting” opening for the One Direction star on his mammoth solo tour.
The 24-year-old rising star – who has been championed by the likes of Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty – found going onstage before the chart-topping boy band star on his 2023 global jaunt nerve-wracking and says it “massively opened” his eyes to what it’s like to play to thousands of people.
The Geordie rocker went on to praise Louis, 32, for always being there to offer him advice and revealed the pair keep in contact.
Andrew told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “We are still in touch. He was an amazing person to be around. It was very daunting at first and it massively opened my eyes. His door was always open for advice.
“He took me to a lot of after-parties. I was rather drunk on a number of occasions but it was brilliant.”
Andrew signed to Libertines and Babyshambles star Pete’s Strap Originals record label with Louis assisting, whilst Oasis legend Noel, 57, has also recorded with Andrew and produced and played guitar on his tune ‘Where’s My Family Gone’ in 2020.
The ‘Wonderwall’ hitmaker jumped at the chance to work with the new talent after his manager sent the Britpop star a video of him performing at a gig.
Andrew – who has just released his latest single, ‘L.I.F.E.’ from his upcoming second album ‘Love Is For Everyone’, due for release on May 2 – previously praised Noel for putting him “at ease” in the studio.
He told NME at the time: “When Noel arrived, I was bricking it. He shook my hand and we just had a chat straight away. We spoke about our families and all his great times from the 90s and it instantly put me at ease.
“It meant that by the time I went in to do the first vocal and couple of chords, I just knew I was there to work. I thought ‘let’s just try and impress him and get it as good as it should be’.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Bee Gees drummer Dennis Bryon died within days of the group’s other sticksman Colin Petersen.
Following the news that original drummer Colin passed away on November 18, at the age of 78, it has emerged that Dennis, who was in the legendary disco band from 1974 to 1980, passed away four days earlier on November 14, at the age of 75.
His passing was confirmed by his Amen Corner bandmates Blue Weaver and Andy Fairweather Low on Facebook.
Blue wrote: “I am lost for words at the moment…
“Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis’s wife has just called me and asked if I would let all friends and fans know.
“This was such a shock. Dennis has been my friend, since we were in our first band together age 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive…”
Andy penned: “RIP. Fabulous drummer and friend. I was lucky he joined Amen Corner. He was with us the whole journey.. he made the best curries.. was a fabulous friend. I was lucky to have know him. He went on to greater things with the BG’s. (sic)”
Dennis – who, along with Beatle Sir Ringo Starr, are the only drummers to have had five songs in the Top 10 Billboard chart simultaneously – was also known for working with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Jimi Hendrix, and Steve Marriott.
He was just 17 when he co-founded Amen Corner – who had hits with ‘Bend Me, Shape Me’, ‘High in the Sky’ and ‘(If Paradise Is) Half as Nice’.
After their split in 1969, a few years later, he went on to join the Bee Gees and appeared on all recordings, television appearances, and tours during his seven-year tenure, including nine number one singles.
He got the gig after being invited to audition in front of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb by lead guitarist Alan Kendall.
Robin died in 2012 at the age of 62, and his twin Maurice was 53 when he passed away in 2003.
Bee Gees tribute act The Best of the Bee Gees – who Colin had previously performed alongside on tour – confirmed the news of his death this week.
Their statement read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Best of the Bee Gees Show announces the passing of our legend, Colin “Smiley” Petersen on Monday 18 November, 2024.
“Colin was a much loved “family” member of the troupe, holding our audiences spellbound with his stories of the lead role in the iconic Australian film “Smiley”, as the drummer in the original Bee Gees, and performing with the Best of the Bee Gees regularly for the last five years.”
Colin played drums on several Bee Gees albums, including ‘1st’, ‘Horizontal’, ‘Idea’, ‘Odessa’ and ‘Cucumber Castle’, before he left the group in 1969.
The stickman departed during the recording of 1970 record ‘Cucumber Castle’, and he was replaced by Terry Cox, who performed on the remaining tracks.
Colin earned the nickname Smiley after he performed in an Australian film of the same name as a budding actor.

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OHMYGOSSIP — Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar might have a new collaboration on the way.
After Drake released a diss song aimed at his fellow rapper called ‘Taylor Made Freestyle’, mocking Kendrick for appearing on a remix of Taylor’s hit ‘Bad Blood’ in 2015 – rapping “Make another 1 for the Swifties” – DJ Snake has claimed the pair have reunited in the studio for a new song that is seemingly expected to feature on his new album.
The French-Algerian DJ and record producer – whose real name is William Sami Étienne Grigahcine – made the claim in a viral French-speaking interview and declared in English: “World premiere.”
Kendrick had to re-record his verse for the new version of ‘Bad Blood’ on last year’s ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’.
Both Taylor and Kendrick have shared new music produced by Jack Antonoff this year.
The hip-hop star teamed up with the studio wizard – who regularly collaborates with Taylor and worked with the pop superstar again on April’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ – and producer Sounwave on his Drake diss song ‘6:16 in LA’.
The song sampled Al Green’s 1972 song ‘What a Wonderful Thing Love Is’, which featured Drake’s uncle, Mabon ‘Teenie’ Hodges, on guitar.
Last year, Kendrick won the Best Rap Album Grammy Award for the third time for his 2022 LP ‘Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers’.
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for his sixth studio album.
The collection will mark his first project since departing label Top Dawg Entertainment.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — BLACKPINK star LISA has announced her debut solo album, ‘Alter Ego’.
The 27-year-old K-pop star dropped a sci-fi-themed trailer for her first full-length project, which is set to land on February 28, 2025, via her own label LLOUD, in partnership with RCA Records.
The promo includes five locations that “each represent a unique personality” trait of LISA – who can be seen channelling her inner rock star playing the guitar – and features the singles ‘Rockstar’, ‘New Woman’ featuring Rosalía and ‘Moonlit Floor’.
A press release noted how the locations are “represented by the five points on a star, which has become a key emblem in the campaign.”
In a recent cover interview with Billboard magazine, LISA said she is excited for fans to see a different side to her and insists she has a lot more to offer than just being a rapper.
She said: “I’m not like, ‘OK, I’m going to sit down and write the whole thing.’
“In BLACKPINK, I’m a rapper, so I always rap, but now it’s a chance for me to show the world that I’m capable of [so much more].
“It’s a little looser [now].
“We’re not rookies anymore. I’m 27 and headed toward 30. Of course I’m still young, yes, but I feel like it’s more flexible for us. And it’s nothing crazy … I feel like I’m just doing whatever I want, and it doesn’t hurt anyone. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.”
She also admitted she was “scared and nervous” to embark on her solo career.
However, LISA – who shot to fame alongside bandmates Jennie, 28, ROSÉ, 27, and Jisoo, 29, in 2016 – found her fans’ reactions to her solo singles to be a “healing” experience.
She said: “At first, I was scared and nervous because I never really come out here to do my own stuff.
“And now I’m having fun.”
She added: “When [my singles] came out, the reaction from the fans, it’s healing me. It’s like, ‘Oh, my God. Yeah — I did a great job!’”
The ‘Sour Candy’ hitmakers couldn’t be more supportive of each other’s solo ventures.
LISA said: “We know each other so well and know how much energy we have to put into every single project.
“So we want to support and say, ‘You did really well!’ Like, Jennie and Rosie just released their own songs, and we’re on texts, we’re on FaceTime. They’re like family. I’m just so happy that they’re releasing something. This is what we all wanted to do, so I just wanted to say that I really do love their songs.”
BLACKPINK will return next year, and LISA insists the band will always be “part of our lives”.
She added: “Of course we want to do more, because BLACKPINK, it’s part of our lives. We still want to accomplish more, but on the other side, we also wanted to do something for our solo careers.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Taylor Swift offered her support to BLACKPINK star Rosé when she was “drowning a little” trying to establish her solo career.
The 27-year-old K-pop star – who shot to fame in the South Korean girl group alongside Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa in 2016 – got in touch with the 34-year-old pop superstar to ask her advice when she was preparing to go it alone and was blown away that the Grammy winner was willing to take the time to offer her guidance on the challenges of being a solo artist.
In a new interview with i-D magazine, she said: “I told her I’m such a huge fan and I just had some questions. As soon as she met me, she’s like ‘Spill, let me help you out.’
“She gave me her number and she’s like, ‘Let me know if you have any questions.’ Who does that? Like, you’re Taylor Swift!”
Rosé continued: “She was trying to protect me. Me becoming solo, being independent, it’s not an easy thing.
“There are a lot of things I should be careful with, and she gave me a rundown on all the things I have to look out for. That was the coolest part – she’s killed it in the game, and she was kind enough to walk me through.”
Rosé’s latest solo tune, ‘Number One Girl’, from her upcoming debut solo album ‘rosie’, is about the pressures of being in the public eye and how debilitating it can be.
She told the publication: “I couldn’t sleep because I was so obsessed with what these people were gonna say about me and what I wanted them to say about me.
“I was so disgusted at myself for it – I never wanted to admit it to anyone, I didn’t even want to admit it to myself.”
Amy Allen, who co-wrote the song, added: “Being a massive pop star, there’s so many things to be constantly juggling and handling, and having your personal life as well – it’s [like] a revolving door.
“I think it’s really scary to dig into that sometimes, but it seemed to me as though the mission statement was always just to try and approach it with as much honesty as humanly possible.”

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Cher has teased a new album is in the works.
The ‘Believe’ hitmaker appeared on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ this week to promote her new two-part memoir, and she was asked whether there will be “another album” by the host.
Without giving anything away, she simply replied: “I’m about to.”
The 78-year-old music legend released her first album featuring original material in ten years last year.
‘Christmas’ – which followed 2013’s ‘Close to the Truth’ – also marked her first-ever festive record.
Cher – who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October – released the greatest hits album ‘Forever’ in September.
The same month it was reported that the singer is in talks to play the legends slot at Glastonbury in 2025.
Cher is believed to have held “meaningful discussions” with the world-famous music festival’s organisers about playing the coveted Sunday afternoon spot reserved for music royalty.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Cher is practically the legend of all pop music legends. She would be incredible.
“It’s been a long time coming but she is finally in meaningful talks with Glastonbury about playing the legend’s slot.”
Cher hasn’t toured the UK since 2019 and while a full tour “doesn’t interest her anymore”, she’s open to the idea of performing at Glastonbury.
The insider added: “Everything is very much in the planning stages, but Cher is hoping to play a handful of shows in the UK next year and Glastonbury could be one of them. The idea of a full scale tour just doesn’t interest her anymore.”
Cher previously admitted to being surprised by her own longevity.
The chart-topping star – who released her debut solo album, ‘All I Really Want to Do’, in 1965 – revealed that she never imagined that she’d still be working at her age.
She told the Guardian newspaper: “I never thought about getting this old and still having a job!”
Despite this, Cher doesn’t have any plans to quit the music business anytime soon.
She said: “Barbra Streisand once asked me, ‘Why are you still working?’ And I said, ‘Because some day I won’t be able to.’ So, for as long as I can work, I will.”

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OHMYGOSSIP — The Pogues are set to embark on their first tour in more than a decade and since the death of frontman Shane MacGowan.
To mark the 40th anniversary of their much-lauded second studio album ‘Rum Sodomy and the Lash’ – which reached number 13 in the UK upon its release in 1985 – the Irish punk rockers will play a series of shows in Birmingham, London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle in May 2025.
The ‘Fairytale of New York’ hitmakers said: “The world got you down? What helps is celebrating 40 years of Rum, Sodomy and the Lash with The Pogues!”
Surviving members Spider Stacy, 65, James Fearnley, 70, and Jem Finer, 69, are set to be joined by “special guests” at the concerts.
Drummer Andrew Ranken is sitting out the run due to health issues and will be replaced by Fontaine’s D.C.’s Tom Cull.
‘Rum Sodomy and the Lash’ – which was produced by Elvis Costello – features fan-favourites ‘A Pair Of Brown Eyes’, ‘Sally MacLennane’ and ‘Dirty Old Town’.
Next month, meanwhile, the band will mark 40 years of their debut album ‘Red Roses for Me’ at Dublin’s 3Arena on December 17.
They will be joined onstage by members of Fontaines D.C., The Bad Seeds, Lankum and Goat Girl.
It follows their London ‘Red Roses for Me’ anniversary concert at Hackney Empire in May.
Shane passed away last November, at the age of 65, following a battle with pneumonia.
When the late star was sacked from the group in the ’90s, Spider stepped up to frontman duties.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday (22.11.24) at 9.30am. A pre-sale will go live on Wednesday (20.11.24). Fans have until 5pm today (19.11.24) to sign up via gigsandtours.com.

The Pogues’ 2025 tour dates:
Thursday 1 May – Leeds, O2 Academy
Friday 2 May – Birmingham, O2 Academy
Saturday 3 May – London, O2 Academy Brixton
Tuesday 6 May – Glasgow, Barrowland
Wednesday 7 May – Manchester, O2 Apollo
Thursday 8 May – Newcastle, O2 City Hall

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OHMYGOSSIP — Ed Sheeran has claimed he did not give his consent for his vocals to be used on the new Band Aid 40 release.
The ‘Shape of You’ hitmaker originally recorded his part for Band Aid 30’s release of the festive charity classic ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ in 2014.
And to mark the 40th anniversary of the original hit – which was released to raise money and awareness of famine in Africa in 1984 and spearheaded by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure – the ‘2024 Ultimate Mix’ was announced, which sees artists who appeared on the original and the 2014 version sing alongside each other.
Ed, who sings with Sting, has since claimed he didn’t sign off on his vocals being used for the remix and explained why the “narrative” around the song doesn’t sit well with him a decade on by re-sharing a post by Ghanaian-English star Fuse ODG.
He posted to his Instagram Story: “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release and had I had the choice I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.
“A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed, eloquently explained by [Fuse ODG].
“This is just my personal stance. I’m hoping it’s a forward-looking one. Love to all.”
Rapper Fuse refused to join the 2014 supergroup – which also included the likes of One Direction, Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding, and original contributor Bono – and accused the song of “costing the continent trillions” by stifling its “economic growth, tourism and investment” with its “dehumanising imagery”.
Fuse’s post read: “We Know It’s Christmas.
“Ten years ago, I refused to participate in Band Aid because I recognised the harm initiatives like it inflict on Africa.
“While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.
“By showcasing dehumanising imagery, these initiatives fuel pity rather than partnership discouraging meaningful engagement.
“My mission has been to reclaim the narrative, empowering Africans to tell their own stories, redefine their identity, and reposition Africa as a thriving hub for investment and tourism.”
He concluded: “Today, the diaspora drives the largest flow of funds back into the continent, not Band Aid or foreign aid proving that Africa’s solutions and progress lies in its own hands.”
The ‘Ultimate Mix’ will be available to stream on November 25 and the BBC is also releasing the documentary ‘The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas’ on BBC Four on November 29.
And Fuse called on his followers to demand the broadcaster pull the film from its schedule by tagging @BBC and re-sharing Ed’s post.

Source: IconInsider.com

OHMYGOSSIP — Jamiroquai have announced their first tour in six years.
The ‘Heels of Steel’ jaunt will see the ‘Virtual Insanity’ hitmakers play huge arenas across the UK and Europe, including London’s The O2 on December 9, 2025, and Manchester’s Co-op Live on December 6.
The UK leg also includes a stop at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on December 3 and Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on December 12.
The European dates commence on November 6 in Barcelona, before heading to Lyon, Zurich, Vienna, Berlin, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris, and wrapping in Brussels on November 29.
Frontman Jay Kay said: “One Man’s mission, for 30 years and counting, to put groove music into YOUR LIFE.
“Will you join us in the fight to Let The Disco Stay The Same – to conquer all your inner fears and boogie like NEVER before? DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES to heal the world through MUSIC? DO YOU HAVE…. THE HEELS OF STEEL!”
Tickets go on sale at 9am local time on Friday (22.11.24) via www.jamiroquai.com.
Jamiroquai last hit the road in 2019.
The tour announcement comes after it was reported that the group are working on their first album in eight years.
In March, it was revealed that the funk group had been back in the studio for the first time since the tragic loss of their bassist, Derrick McIntyre, who passed away in April, at the age of 66, after being involved in a car crash.
Their last full studio release was 2017’s ‘Automaton’, which was about the rise in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neglecting relationships with other human beings.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre column: “It’s been a long time coming but the time feels right for Jamiroquai to work on new music.
“Jay went into the studio for a writing session recently and it went really well.
“They got the band involved too and it all felt very special to be back together doing what they do best.
“Everyone involved is excited about the new project and what it will sound like.
“It’s early days and while they don’t know when the new record will be out, the wheels are in motion.”

Jamiroquai 2025 UK and European tour dates:

NOVEMBER
6 – Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi
8 – Lyon LDLC Arena
11 – Zurich Hallenstadion
13 – Milan Unipol Forum
15 – Vienna Wiener Stadthalle
19 – Berlin Uber Arena
22 – Cologne Lanxess Arena
25 – Amsterdam Ziggo Dome
27 – Paris Accor Arena
29 – Brussels ING Arena

DECEMBER
3 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
6 – Manchester Co-op Live
9 – London The O2
12 – Birmingham Utilita Arena

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OHMYGOSSIP — Dylan comes on stage and doesn’t speak. The audience are reverentially quiet, too. The Royal Albert Hall has turned into a cathedral, and we are here to worship the high priest of rock: Bob Dylan.
Luckily for us, half of the set that Dylan plays comes from his ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ album, which I feel is his best album for decades. The LP (his 39th studio release) suits his rough, deep and talking voice that is now a substitute for his previous whining tone – endearing as that was. Because the album is so recent, it means that Dylan has not had the chance to get too bored of the songs on it, so he has not mangled and ‘destroyed’ them in the way some claim he has done so with the classic songs from his repertoire that he plays on tour.
Some classics like ‘All Along the Watchtower’, which opens this set, and ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’, which follows soon after, seem to have been reinvigorated by Dylan’s tinkering. But ‘Desolation Row’ – one of his greatest songs – is virtually wrecked by giving it a fast rock tempo treatment. The beauty of that song – as in all of Dylan’s classic ’60s songs – is in the way that the music matches the intensity and picturesque imagery of the lyrics. Sadly, when Dylan sings it now, there is none of that. Nevertheless, when this version of the song comes to an end, there is thunderous, non-stop applause for minutes. But you can’t help feeling that the applause is for a song that Dylan sang way back in the past, and which connected with so many people, not the song he is singing now.
The best songs from ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ that he plays are ‘I Contain Multitudes’, and ‘Goodbye Jimmy Reed’. However, despite his Frankenstein creations of his older classics, we have to admire the fact that Dylan is still so creative and rebellious, and that is why he re-works these songs the way he does.
The ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour’ began three years ago in Milwaukee and has seen him perform over 230 shows. Each of those concerts has seen Dylan give us nine out of the 10 songs on that 2020 album.
Compare him with an act like The Rolling Stones; for all their rebelliousness, when they perform, their songs are copycat versions of their hits. They stick to a money-making formula with little innovation. You certainly cannot say that about Dylan.
Personally, I admire his courage and his creativity and think that they are his songs, and he can do what he likes with them. Dylan never wants to stand still or live in the past as the creation of his Songwriter Fellowship proves.
The other interesting thing about his show is that there are no gimmicks. No bright, flashy lights, no pyrotechnics and no undulating male and female dancers, which is sadly what today’s breed of pop and rock superstars find necessary to inflict us with. Although I think the addition of some emotional female backing singers would have brought light to Dylan’s shade.
Dylan appears on stage hat-less with his brillo pad hair shimmering under the soft moody lights starts most of his songs standing and singing into the microphone and then shuffles over to the grand piano, which he stands playing most of the night.
Though the atmosphere in the Royal Albert Hall is cathedral-like, on stage it’s like a smoky blues club. There is little lighting, and the band and Dylan are bound in a tight circle. Unlike Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger – who throws himself around the stage – Dylan only shuffles a little bit when he moves onto the piano, which is the instrument he plays all night.
The musicianship from his band is superb, especially his two guitarists Doug Lancio and Bob Britt and drummer Jim Keltner. Dylan’s piano playing is, in turns, sorrowful, passionate and pounding. And let’s not forget his harmonica playing that hasn’t been tampered with. When he blows and sucks it is just like being transported back to the 1960s.
Of course, I wouldn’t dream of telling Dylan what songs he should be playing, but really, he should have played ‘Murder Most Foul’ which, in my opinion, is the best song on ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’. It harks back to the social commentaries that his songs were infused with back in the day.
As the set progresses highlights included ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’ – from his 1965 album ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ – ‘I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You’ and ‘Goodbye Jimmy Reed’ and Dylan departs the stage after performing ‘Every Grain of Sand’ from his 1981 album ‘Shot of Love’.
That song is infused with meaning because often the last track that Dylan puts on his albums are a harbinger of things to come. It is magical, spiritual song, questioning the meaning of life and is full of biblical references.
The concert started at 8pm and is all over by 9.45pm. The ecstatic crowd howls for more, but it’s in vain – Dylan doesn’t do encores.
After the stunning show a goodly majority of Dylan fans – some of whom were reduced to tears by his performance – decamped to the delightful pub The Queens Arms nearby, where they mulled over Dylan’s performance. Strangers became instant friends because of their shared passion for the man’s music. Many have been to see Dylan at almost every show of this tour, and when questioned about their favourite album tell me it is 1966’s seminal LP ‘Blonde on Blonde’, often regarded as the best record of all time.
I chat with some fellow fans about Dylan’s first ever concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which took place way back in May 1965. I was lucky enough to be there and I am sure a number of people in the audience at the ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ show were there that night too. On that special night Dylan delivered a magnificent all-acoustic set and talked and joked with the audience. It was one of the best of the many Dylan concerts I have attended and, for me, one of the greatest concerts of all time.
Two songs Dylan played at that 1965 gig, ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’ and ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’, are also part of the setlist for the ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour’. What that tells us I’m not sure, but I am sure all those Dylanologists out there will proffer answers.
The times have certainly changed for Dylan over the last 50-odd years, though one thing remains constant – he is still the greatest songwriter the world has ever seen.
It is certain that a number of people went to these concerts because they feel they could be Dylan’s last in the UK.
I am not so sure.
After all, his great friend Willie Nelson is still playing live at the age of 91. I don’t want to be macabre, but I can’t help feeling Dylan will die on stage.
Let us hope this ‘Never Ending Tour’ – despite what title it may now go under – never ends.

Bob Dylan – November 13, 2024 – Royal Albert Hall setlist:
All Along the Watchtower
It Ain’t Me, Babe
I Contain Multitudes
False Prophet
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Black Rider
My Own Version of You
To Be Alone With You
Crossing the Rubicon
Desolation Row
Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
Watching the River Flow
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
Mother of Muses
Goodbye Jimmy Reed
Every Grain of Sand

Bob Dylan – May 9, 1965 – Royal Albert Hall setlist:
The Times They Are A-Changin’
To Ramona
Gates of Eden
If You Gotta Go, Go Now
It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Mr. Tambourine Man
Talkin’ World War III Blues
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
With God on Our Side
She Belongs to Me
It Ain’t Me, Babe
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll
All I Really Want to Do
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue

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OHMYGOSSIP — Funeral For A Friend have announced two huge outdoor gigs with an all Welsh lineup.
The ‘Streetcar’ post-hardcore legends will be joined by a stacked bill for two special gigs in Leeds and Cardiff.
On July 18 2025, the group will play Sounds of the City at Leeds’ Millennium Square, with The Blackout, Casey and Kill The Lights on board.
The next day, they will perform a show at Rock the Castle in Cardiff Castle, with the same lineup plus Skindred and Dream State.
They wrote on Instagram: “We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’ll be performing 2 very special shows next July, with an all-Welsh support bill.”
They will be joined by Holding Absence singer Lucas Woodland after he performed with them at Slam Dunk and Download Festival earlier this year.
Back in December 2023, original vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye announced his departure from the band after their tour marking the 20th anniversary of debut album ‘Casually Dressed and Deep In Conversation’.
initially split in 2016 before returning three years later in memory of their late friend ‘Big Stu’ before heading on tour, and the remaining members – Kris Coombs-Roberts, Darran Smith, Ryan Richards, Gavin Burrough and Richard Boucher – are keen to create new music.
The group said in a statement at the time: “Hey folks, it’s with a heavy heart that we announce that after 20+ years, our singer and brother Matthew Davies-Kreye has decided to move on to pastures new going forward, and leaves with all our love, respect and gratitude.
“While Matt moves on, the rest of us have come out of our recent ’20 Years Casually Dressed’ anniversary tour with a renewed spark and desire to create new music together, for the first time in this lineup for many years.”

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