gig

A GROOVE Armada gig has sparked a surge in hearing checks. 

The Superstylin’ hitmakers headlined a one-off event exclusively for over-50s that saw music fans take action for their hearing health to be in with a chance of securing tickets. 

The initiative, from Specsavers, saw more than 50,000 people complete a free three-minute online hearing screener before being entered onto ‘The Testlist’ a club guestlist exclusively for the over-50s across the UK and Ireland. 

Among the over-50s who took the hearing screener, 75 per cent were told a check-up with a hearing expert could be worthwhile, while 25 per cent received results in the good-to-fair range. 

The exclusive gig took place at Phonox in Brixton, London, last night, marking the first time Groove Armada have played the venue. 

It followed further research of 2,000 adults which found 47 per cent of over-50s say some of their happiest memories revolve around the music they love. 

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While 21 per cent would attend more live music events if experiences were designed with their generation in mind.

Helping put that into practice was University of Derby’s associate professor of electroacoustics, Adam Hill, a live sound engineer and chair of the Healthy Ears, Limited Annoyance (HELA) Initiative. 

He is also a supporter of the ‘Listen for Life’ campaign championed by the Night Time Industries Association and was enlisted to oversee safe listening measures. 

Working closely with the venue, Dr Hill assessed the sound system’s performance, identified a dedicated quiet zone and conducted staff training. 

During the event, sound levels were assessed and free hearing protection was provided to all attendees. 

All these measures ensured that the event aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Standard for Safe Listening Venues and Events. 

Andy Cato, one half of the dance music duo, said: “We’ve been making and playing music for decades. For most of that time, the attitude to volume was the louder the better. Loud is exciting after all. 

“As we approach our 30th birthday, still in DJ booths and still with lots of music to make, it would have been nice for there to have been greater awareness around enjoying the dancefloor experiences we all love whilst looking after your hearing. 

“It’s nice to see this collaboration with Specsavers spreading the word and making a check-up for your ears as normal as one for your eyes.” 

His bandmate, Tom Findlay, added: “When music’s been such a big part of your life, you don’t want to take your hearing for granted. It’s something I’ve come to appreciate more over the years, and I know what a difference taking care of it can make. 

“The great thing is, it doesn’t mean changing the way you enjoy music, just being a bit more aware of it. 

“And the fact that over 50,000 people took the online hearing screener to be part of this gig is fantastic. 

“It’s a brilliant way to get people thinking about their hearing, while bringing everyone together through music.” 

The poll of 2,000 adults also found 75 per cent of over-50s are still attending live music events, but 44 per cent have experienced ringing in their ears after a show. 

Another 22 per cent have walked away from a venue with muffled hearing after a performance. 

But 61 per cent added the availability of hearing protection would be important or essential when choosing where to go to enjoy live events. 

Jo Cammell, from Oxfordshire, was one of the fans who secured a place at the Groove Armada gig after completing the free online hearing screener. 

Now in her 50s, she returned to Brixton, where she last saw the dance music duo perform in 2004 while six months pregnant with her son Tom, alongside two lifelong friends. 

Jo said: “Music has always brought our friendship group together. We started going out dancing in the early 90s and we’ve not hung up our dancing shoes yet. Nothing beats hearing music live. 

“Superstylin’ has always been our tune, so coming back to Brixton to see Groove Armada more than 20 years after the last time feels incredibly special. It’s a reminder that dance music isn’t just for the young and that you’re never too old for a great night out. 

“Taking the Specsavers hearing screener was really interesting because it made me stop and think about how important my hearing health is for the first time, so I can continue enjoying live music for years to come.” 

THE Pussycat Dolls shrugged off the Lil Kim ‘tour axe’ while stripping to some striking outfits at their packed London gig on Tuesday night. 

Lady Marmalade star Lil Kim, 52, didn’t appear for the final night of the Pussycat Dolls’ run at London’s O2 Arena, with the headline act fed-up of her unpredictable behaviour.

A source said: “Kim didn’t show up to their gig in Manchester on Saturday night, and it was all very last minute. It threw everything into chaos and a sign just went up at the last minute to say she wouldn’t be performing. 

“As a result, she hasn’t been asked back for the closing night in London tonight, which was seen as the grand finale.” 

But shrugging it off entirely, Nicole Scherzinger and her glam bandmates  Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt looked sensational in racy outfits at the gig. 

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The girls opted for silver leotards, with Ashley wowing in a two piece and showing off her toned physique. 

Kimberly had her long pins on display with cut out tights on and white boots. 

And Nicole looked as glamorous as ever in her dazzling bodysuit, embellished with sequins. 

The Pussycat Dolls all rocked beautiful makeup looks and styled their hair down, while having the time of their lives on stage.

The girls wowed their fans and put Lil Kim’s tour axe. 

No official reason for support act Kim’s absence in Manchester was given, though some fans claimed she was ill.

However, others noticed she had shared social media videos of herself on her tour bus in the build-up to the gig where it looked she was playing video games.

One fan wrote on TikTok: “She was on the tour bus prepping for GTA 6.”

Another posted: “Omg we were there last night how bad is that, not even a comment on sorry she’s no show or anything, playing GTA in the trailer apparently, previous videos of her trying glad she didn’t show.”

Kim also came under fire from baffled fans at a previous gig in Paris when a music video playing on the big screens behind her during her set appeared to be synced from her phone and private messages kept popping up before the feed was quickly pulled.

Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Denise Jones, shot to fame in 1994 after being discovered by late rap legend The Notorious B.I.G.

The larger than life star then invited Kim to join the Brooklyn-based rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A, before she launched her solo career with her double-platinum album Hard Core, which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200.

Grammy-winner Kim’s biggest hits in the UK are all collabs, including the 2001 number one ‘Lady Marmalade’, a cover commissioned for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, and 2003 track ‘Can’t Hold Us Down’ with Christina Aguilera, which reached number six.

The Sun contacted representatives for the Pussycat Dolls and Lil’ Kim.

PUSSYCAT Dolls have kicked rap star Lil’ Kim off their UK tour after a string of controversies.

The Lady Marmalade star, 52, won’t appear for the final night of the run at London’s O2 Arena later today, with the headline act fed-up of her unpredictable behaviour.

A source said: “Kim didn’t show up to their gig in Manchester on Saturday night, and it was all very last minute. It threw everything into chaos and a sign just went up at the last minute to say she wouldn’t be performing.

“As a result, she hasn’t been asked back for the closing night in London tonight, which was seen as the grand finale.

“Her not showing up in Manchester was really the final straw for team PCD, there had been a string of issues where she was challenging to work with.”

The Sun has contacted representatives for the Pussycat Dolls and Lil’ Kim.

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No official reason for Kim’s absence in Manchester was given, though some fans claimed she was ill.

However, others noticed she had shared social media videos of herself on her tour bus in the build-up to the gig where it looked she was playing video games.

One fan wrote on TikTok: “She was on the tour bus prepping for GTA 6.”

Another posted: “Omg we were there last night how bad is that, not even a comment on sorry she’s no show or anything, playing GTA in the trailer apparently, previous videos of her trying glad she didn’t show.”

Kim came under fire from baffled fans at a previous gig in Paris when a music video playing on the big screens behind her during her set appeared to be synced from her phone and private messages kept popping up before the feed was quickly pulled.

Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Denise Jones, shot to fame in 1994 after being discovered by late rap legend The Notorious B.I.G.

The larger than life star then invited Kim to join the Brooklyn-based rap group Junior M.A.F.I.A, before she launched her solo career with her double-platinum album Hard Core, which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200.

Grammy-winner Kim’s biggest hits in the UK are all collabs, including the 2001 number one ‘Lady Marmalade’, a cover commissioned for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, and 2003 track ‘Can’t Hold Us Down’ with Christina Aguilera, which reached number six.

80s rock legends rushed Deen Castronovo offstage mid-set after he suffered a medical emergency during gig on Thursday night.

The 62-year-old, who is the drummer for rock band Journey, had performed just two songs before he was rushed off stage at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

According to Tulsa World, keyboardist Jonathan Cain made the crowd aware of the situation after performing their tunes Be Good To Yourself and Stone in Love.

He said to fans: “We’re going to see what happens as this progresses.

“It’s an unfortunate situation. We’re very sorry. We’re hoping it’s only a delay, but please — I’m sorry. Don’t worry.

“Have your prayers ready. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you.”

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Guitarist Neal Schon later returned and told the crowd that their band mate had been taken to hospital.

And according to Rolling Stone, when the group got back to performing, he told fans: “This concert is for Deen.

“I think he’s going to be fine.”

Journey has not addressed what has happened on social media.

The Sun has contacted the band’s representative for comment.

The band were performing as part of their Final Frontier Tour across North America when it happened.

Journey are set to return to the stage in San Antonio tomorrow night for one of their remaining shows.

Their tour is set to wrap up at the beginning of November.

The group currently consists of Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen.

Journey was formed back in 1973 until 1987.

They reunited in 1995 and have been together ever since.

Some of the their best songs include Don’t Stop Believin’, Separate Ways, Faithfully and Open Arms.

AN international megastar is being lined up to headline Brighton and Hove Pride.

The Sun can exclusively reveal how Jennifer Lopez is deep in discussions to take to the stage for her first full-length UK gig in 15 years.

The Jenny From The Block hitmaker, 57,  has been approached by organisers to perform at the event, which takes place next summer.

It comes after the high profile bash, which raises funds for LGBTQ+ charities, has previously welcomed a series of superstars onto its stage, including Diana Ross, Paris Hilton, Raye, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears.

A source said: “The event gets bigger and bigger every year and organisers are in the planning stages of booking talent and have reached out to JLo’s team, everyone is really excited to pull it off.

“She’d be a perfect headliner, they’re just working out schedules.”

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After headlining World Pride in Washington, D.C. in 2025, Lopez revealed her priorities in her life changed.

She said: “I played Pride last year and I felt like it was the beginning of the new chapter of my life.

“The LGBTQ+ community, for me, has always been a loyal and big part of my fanbase.”

J.Lo last headlined a gig in the country on her Dance Again World Tour when she played London’s O2 Arena in 2012.

This year, Raye and superstar Diana Ross headlined the festivities which are held every year at Preston Park in Brighton in August.

The year before, Girls Aloud played their only UK festival appearance as part of their 2024 reunion at the event.

AN X Factor-winning group have revealed their next gig could be their last ever, after taking a huge gamble. 

Rak-Su star Myles Stephenson took to TikTok to reveal that they had “the biggest show of their lives” coming up. 

Speaking to the camera, Myles explained: “In less than three weeks we will be doing a show on October 18th at Watford Palace Theatre and I’m a little bit nervous.” 

Myles revealed the reason behind his nerves is that they’ll be doing the show “fully independent,” with no label or management, as well as funding the entire show themselves. 

He continued: “We have put a lot of money into this, and we don’t know if it’s going to pay off, but it’s not about the money. 

“It’s about the fact that potentially this might be our last show so whatever it costs to put on the best show ever, we’re going to do that. 

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“I’m nervous because I don’t want it to be our last show, I want it to continue forever.” 

Myles went on: “We’ve been full time musicians for nine years and that’s a very, very long time and that’s a very long time for musicians in today’s age.” 

The singing star finished by saying: “If we sell out this show on October 18th, we will tour next year so don’t let this be the last time that Rak-Su ever performs, ever again.” 

Fans flooded the comments section tagging pals and saying they were excited to watch the show. 

Myles is one member of the R’n’B group Rak-Su who won the The X Factor in 2017.

Mentored by Simon Cowell, the group comprised of Myles, Rak-Su J, Ashley Rak-Su and Pharoahcious.

And Simon was not the only judge impressed, with fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger also giving the group the seal of approval.

In 2019 it was reported that the vocal group have been dropped by record label RCA less than two years after being crowned champs.

Myles, Ashley Fongho, Jamaal Shurland and Mustafa Rahimtulla went to No2 with Dimelo, featuring Wyclef Jean and Naughty Boy, when they came off the 2017 show.

But their next four singles were poorly received and they struggled to shift copies of two EPs.

A music insider said at the time: “It’s a tough time to be in pop and the buzz for Rak-Su fizzled out fast. They haven’t delivered the huge chart singles which bosses were convinced they would, despite being so popular on the show. The feeling is that their moment has passed and it’s going to be tough to revive it.”

But Rak-Su have rebuilt momentum, with a huge following on social media and now a gig to look forward to ahead of, if ticket sales go well for October, their teased tour next year. 

BACKSTREET BOYS are ­returning to the UK next year for a string of huge shows, including a concert at London’s O2 Arena.

Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson had been locked in rehearsals at a facility in Bedfordshire for the launch of their concert residency in Dusseldorf, which kicked off on Friday.

But I can reveal the band are in advanced talks to perform their first shows in Blighty since the 2022 DNA World Tour.

A source said: “Backstreet’s back — and they’re coming to London.

“All the details are under lock and key but the residency means the guys are on top form and are ready to head out on tour.

“The concerts will take place next year, with one at London’s O2 Arena which will make up part of the venue’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

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“The lads are beyond excited about this and have been working so hard.”

Earlier this year, Backstreet Boys kicked off their Into The Millennium residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The show is now in ­Germany before more dates in Sin City in December and ­January.

The lads have sold more than 450,000 tickets for the ­residency in Dusseldorf, with fans being treated to a 26-song set list.

As a group, Backstreet Boys dominated Germany in the early days of the band, with fans there catching on early as to what huge stars they would become.

After the residency began, Brian said: “When we talk about this being a homecoming, it’s because Germany is where everything clicked for us.

“It’s where our dream stopped being hypothetical and became something real.

“Coming back for these shows feels full circle.”

After they struck gold, the band went on to become one of the biggest groups in the world, ­selling more than 150million records worldwide and achieving 16 UK Top Ten singles, including No1 hit I Want It That Way in 1999.

As a huge fan, I shall be jumping in the queue for tickets once the show is announced.

Rita can go Anywhere

LIKE me, Rita Ora was a late starter when it came to passing her driving test.

But, aged 35, she’s now finally got her licence and posed proudly with her certificate in front of her Dollar Driving School car in Los Angeles.

The company previously taught stars including model Winnie Harlow how to drive.

See you on the M1, Rita – and feel free to bring your cute four-legged friend along too.

MARIAH HERE TO BRING MORE FESTIVE CHEER

IF you missed out on tickets for Mariah Carey’s upcoming UK Christmas tour dates, I have good news.

I’m told the star is in advanced talks to perform at this year’s Capital Jingle Bell Ball.

My moles tell me the annual event will take place on December 5 and 6 at London’s O2 Arena, with bosses ­working around the clock to secure the US chart queen as a performer.

A source said: “Bosses are still locking in the exact line-up but it’s looking likely Mariah will be a special guest at one of the dates.

“They think she would be an amazing ­addition to the line-up.”

We revealed in July how Mariah was set to return to our shores to play her first run of winter shows here in eight years.

She will begin the gigs on November 27 in Birmingham before concerts in London and Manchester.

Welcome back, Mimi.

We’ve missed you.

It’s heavy petal for Olivia

OLIVIA RODRIGO could be lining up a partnership with Interflora, if the opening night of her Unraveled Tour was anything to go by.

The Drop Dead singer performed in a sea of giant flowers – with 16 gardeners on hand to rearrange the blooms as her US show in Connecticut went on.

As well as singing tracks from her previous two records, Olivia performed nearly every song from No1 album You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love.

She repeatedly changed dresses during the 23-song set – and wowed fans when a white frock she was wearing dissolved as “rain” fell on stage, to reveal a bright-red corseted number underneath.

She will bring the show to the UK for a nine-night run at London’s O2 Arena next April.

CELINE’S DOLLED UP FOR XMAS

CELINE DION is being immortalised as a Barbie doll to celebrate her incredible live music comeback.

I can reveal the My Heart Will Go On singer, who is playing a residency in Paris, will have her own limited edition doll released just in time for Christmas.

A source said: “Celine was contacted by Mattel last year and was told bosses were keen to turn her into a collectable Barbie.

“Naturally, she was honoured, and agreed to the partnership straight away.

“The doll will be based on one of her most iconic looks.”

Celine is not the first star to be turned into the famous toy.

In February, Kylie Minogue had a plastic-fantastic makeover, while Marilyn Monroe got her own doll to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday in August.

POP star Mabel has given birth to her first child, a year on from her wedding to record label executive Preye Crooks.

The singer, who hadn’t revealed she was pregnant, shared a home video on Instagram yesterday of their newborn and was congratulated by fellow artists including Craig David, Fleur East, Tinie Tempah and Ella Eyre.

POP IDOL WILL GOES LIVE AT 25

WILL YOUNG is heading out on tour next year to mark 25 years since he won Pop Idol.

The Evergreen 25th ­Anniversary gigs will see Will, inset, perform with his band.

The shows kick off at ­Manchester’s O2 Apollo on February 20 before other stop-offs include Glasgow, Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Southend, London and Cardiff.

Will said: “I can’t wait to celebrate with the full band and play Evergreen, as well as all the songs that have come since, from Light My Fire to Leave Right Now.”

X Factor star Olly Murs has also confirmed a string of summer shows for 2027.

His eight-date run will start at Bristol’s Good Times Festival on May 30.

Tickets for Will’s and Olly’s shows go on sale at 10am this Friday.

Did Justin Bieber perform at problem-plagued MacArthur Park? Never say never.

An impersonator may have tricked a Las Vegas nightclub last year, but those at the park Tuesday appeared convinced of their brush with Bieber. L.A. County’s district attorney was too.

According to social media posts, the singer and a few band members set up on a grass lawn near a Central American fried chicken shop on 6th Street. He reportedly performed several songs, including the 2025 hit “Yukon.”

L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman on Tuesday night pointed to the “Yukon” clip as proof that park conditions were improving.

L.A. D.A. Nathan Hochman, center left, walks with First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli on June 4 as L.A. police and federal agents conduct an operation targeting narcotics use at MacArthur Park.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Bieber’s performance, he said in a post on X, was a “testament to the progress we are achieving to take back the park from drug dealers and enliven it for families.”

“[He’s] definitely on the invite list for next year’s Labor Day weekend picnic!” Hochman said.

The Times reached out to Bieber’s representatives to confirm the pop singer’s appearance but did not immediately hear back.

The pop star has been leaning in to more intimate performances, notably appearing on the Grammys for a stripped-down rendition of “Yukon” (while wearing boxers and black socks).

In April, he made his Coachella headlining debut, playing a nearly 90-minute set. For a large portion of the set, he took Beliebers — as his fans are known — down memory lane, sitting behind a laptop and singing along to his old music videos.