rock music

ED Sheeran is in the middle of a short break from his Loop World Tour, but he’s certainly not resting on his laurels.

I can reveal he is about to drop a new single that’s been more than a decade in the making, after he teamed up with Dutch dance great Martin Garrix to make Repeat It.

Ed and Martin first hit the studio together in 2014 – with the British megastar confirming he was taking a step into dance music.

Martin then premiered the song live at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival the following summer.

Insiders said the track would finally be officially released next month, adding: “Repeat It has taken 12 years to officially see the light of day but finally Ed and Martin’s collaboration is coming out.

“The song has been reworked slightly from the version played at Ultra back in 2015 to make it more radio friendly.

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“Initially it was called Rewind, Repeat It.

“But now the song is simply titled Repeat It.

“Lyrically, it’s a classic Ed love song set to a dance beat.”

Ed first teased making the song more than a decade ago and said on Instagram: “Finished up my very first EDM song with Martin Garrix, brilliant experience, looking forward to you all hearing it.”

Now the wait is almost over.

My music moles shared lyrics to the track with me, and Ed has stayed true to form, with the lyrics steeped in romance.

Ed sings: “Stay for a night, call it what you want.

“And I’ll compromise. To have you in my arms.”

He adds: “Don’t fight the feeling. Rewind, repeat it.

“If the world ends tonight. You’ll be in my arms.

“We will be frozen in time, underneath the stars.”

Ed isn’t scheduled to play any shows in the UK this year, although there is no doubt in my mind his Loop Tour will reach the UK come 2027.

His last album Play went straight to the No1 spot when he released it in September, and I bet Repeat It will also fly up the charts.

It’s a nailed-on summer banger.

NATALIE Appleton’s son Ace looked every inch the grown-up rockstar as he attended a new Bowie exhibition with his famous Mum.

​The pair posed on the red carpet at the opening night of David Bowie: You’re Not Alone at The Lightroom in London.

Ace is the son of the All Saints star and her husband, The Prodigy’s Liam Howlett.

​Natalie is around 5’5″, while her famous other half, Liam, is 6’1″, and it looks like Ace certainly inherited his Dad’s lofty genes.

The 22-year-old towered over his Mum as the mum-and-son duo posed for photographers at the showbiz event.

​Liam Howlett and Natalie have been together for 25 years after they met at V Festival in 2000.  They married in 2002, and Ace was born in 2004.

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​Natalie also has an older daughter, Rachel, 33, from a previous relationship with Dreamboys stripper Carl Robinson.

Despite their fame, Natalie and Liam have kept their family life relatively private, choosing to let their son carve out his own path.

And it seems that approach has paid off, with Ace now making a name for himself on the London music scene in his own right.

​Following in the footsteps of his musical parents, Ace is bass guitarist for the Camden-based group, Pedestrian Band, with his proud Mum known to plug his music on her socials.

Ace’s band Pedestrian are still emerging on the London indie scene, but they’re already turning heads with their experimental sound.

The trio have released their debut EP and built a cult following, earning a reputation as one of Camden’s most exciting up-and-coming acts.

​

While he isn’t relying on his famous surname, Ace is well-connected in music, with cousin Gene Gallagher, son of Nicole Appleton and Liam Gallagher.

Meanwhile, Natalie and her sister Nicole shot to fame in 1996 alongside Shaznay Lewis and Melanie Blatt in the girl band All Saints.

The group proved a massive hit and brought fans songs like Pure Shores, Black Coffee, and Never Ever.

The foursome became huge stars, with Nicole and Natalie going on to date some big celebrities, before settling down with Liam.

Nicole once had a high-profile with Robbie Williams between 1997 and 1999, which included an engagement and a terminated pregnancy.

Natalie and Ace attended the launch of Lightroom’s latest exhibition of immersive Bowie content projected onto it’s 11-metre-high walls and floor.

​The hour-long experience features live recordings, interviews and unseen footage from the David Bowie Archive.

​With a huge sound system and Bowie as narrator, it’s considered the closest to experiencing the late icon live.

​David Bowie: You’re Not Alone will run at Lightroom near King’s Cross from 22nd April 2026.

Tickets are priced from £25 for adults and £15 for students and concessions.

A BRIT rock back have been forced to cancel an impending gig after an “unexpected medical situation”.

Enter Shikari were due to play a gig at Dublin Academy in Ireland this evening but have been forced to withdraw.

The band kept details sparse but confirmed a “medical reason” was behind their decision to pull the plug on the gig in the Irish capital city.

Issuing a statement, the band revealed they were gutted to be unable to complete the concert as planned.

The band said: “Due to a medical situation both unexpected and beyond our control, we’re sad to have to say we’re having to postpone tonight’s Dublin Academy show.

“If you know anything about us, you know that cancelling/postponing shows is always the absolute last resort once all other options have been exhausted, especially at this short notice.

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“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this causes anyone.

“We’re in conversation with our Irish promoter and will immediately start looking at potential date to reschedule to.

“Thank you in advance for your understanding, and we hope we can see you as soon as possible. ES x.”

Their fans were quick to issue their well-wished amid the uncertain situation.

One penned: “Sending you guys so much love hope you’re all ok.”

Another went on to write: “Hope all is ok – let us know when you’re planning to be back in Ireland!”

A third then said: “Absolutely gutted as flew here solo from Brighton especially *but* sending everyone so much love and hope, and thank you for still being the reason I finally visited Ireland!”

Before a fourth commented: “Sending love as this can’t have been an easy decision, get well soon.”

Whilst a fifth comment read: “Health first always. Hope all is ok. We go again even harder on the rescheduled show to make up for this. Grá mór.”

The band were first formed in 1999 and adopted their current identity in 2003.

Their debut album, Take to the Skies, was eventually released in 2007 and reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.

Their seventh record, released in 2023, became their first chart-topper.

The group’s latest record, surprise released earlier this month, managed to chart at number 16.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS could be getting back in the studio — this time with boyband Blue.

It comes after Rob wrote the lads’ new single Flowers, which is on the setlist for the UK leg of their 25th Anniversary world tour.

Biz on Sunday’s Emily caught up with Blue members
Antony Costa, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, and Duncan James at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, West London, this week.

The band are on their milestone tour following the release of seventh studio album Reflections.

Antony said: “We would love to work with Robbie’s people and that is the conversation that is happening.

“Karl Brazil (Robbie’s music director) is very much on our side.

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“He is championing Blue and us and the lads have spoken to Karl separately and together.

“You never know, watch this space.”

Antony revealed that Robbie reached out to the band after watching their story on the BBC documentary Boybands Forever.

He said: “It resonated with him because we were all young and he was a young lad in Take That.

“Take That went on a different journey than us, but we still wanted that same goal.

“Robbie has always been there and he’s been a big supporter of me and the boys.”

Duncan said: “We’re so lucky that after 25 years we’re still getting to sell out gigs, still touring around the world and we’ve got the adoration from the fans.

“We’ve had the nod from Robbie to write that song for us, so it’s almost like the industry is opening the door again and we’re feeling the love.”

Of their new hit Flowers, Duncan added: “A lot of people have said it sounds like a Robbie song as well.”

Blue are one of the few bands still touring with an original line-up.

Simon said: “One of the reasons we have stood the test of time is all four of us wanted to be in a boyband.

“Most are full of members who want to be solo artists but weren’t good enough.

“So all of a sudden you’ve got egos.

“We don’t understand why bands argue or why they don’t get on because when you’re a team, you’re a team player.”

The boys are playing at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 11.

I will get my prosecco and picnic blanket ready.

Tickets are on sale at myticket.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the band revealed Ellie Goulding got them to perform at her 70s-themed baby shower in January, ahead of the birth of her daughter Iris.

The boys sang their 2002 track One Love with Ellie.

Duncan added: “We didn’t realise she was a big fan of our music.”

SAM THOMPSON is stepping down from his role on Love Island: Aftersun.

The 2023 I’m A Celeb winner has been a panel regular on the spin-off since his stint in the jungle.

But an insider revealed: “Sam’s schedule is jam-packed and producers are going in a different direction so there’ll be a bit of a shake-up on Aftersun.

“ITV is really keen on harnessing new talent, especially plucking from its pool of influencers and TikTokkers to boost ratings.

“Sam may well return as a guest, but he won’t be a regular.”

A spokeswoman for Sam said: “He absolutely loved his time as part of the Love Island team and the show will always have a special place in his heart.”

NOEL SHOWS HIS SCENTS OF STYLE

NOEL GALLAGHER might have a thing for cigarettes and alcohol – but he also likes more refined smells, too.

The Oasis great shares the same taste in scent as suave Thirties and Forties playwright and composer Noel Coward.

He visited bespoke perfumer Azzi Glasser at her London studio.

Azzi, who has created scents for Kylie Minogue, Tom Hardy And Jude Law, charges £1,500 for a “fragrance workshop” to create a one-off scent to match your personality.

Noel spent £400 on candles and chose Vetiver scent by Floris London – favoured by Noel Coward.

Azzi revealed that Noel is also a fan of her £259 Mystere Vetivert.

She said: “It smells like you’re wearing a million dollars.”

IS THAT MADGE? CORSET IS

MADONNA returned to Coachella in the same jacket and corset she performed in 20 years ago as she joined Sabrina Carpenter for her headline set on Friday.

The sparkling duo performed the Queen of Pop’s hits Vogue and Like A Prayer before launching into a new song, I Feel So Free, from Madonna’s long-rumoured new album, Confessions II, set for release on July 3.

Madonna was delighted to stand four inches taller than Sabrina, who is just under 5ft.

She told the crowd: “The other thrilling thing I need to point out to everybody right now is this is probably the first time I’ve ever performed with someone who’s shorter than me.

“So, thank you for giving me that experience.”

In response, Sabrina shouted, “Amen!”.

Cute as a button.

’ROACHES ROLLING OUT AGAIN?

ROLLING STONES fans reckon there could be live dates on the horizon under their alias, The Cockroaches.

Rumours started after the rockers updated their website to include a poster of a 1977 surprise gig at El Mocambo Club in Toronto, attended by Princess Margaret , which was billed as a gig by The Cockroaches.

Keith Richards also posted a cryptic comment saying: “Great fun though huh?

A good rhythm section, a couple of mates, where else can you go.”

A source said: “There is a lot of buzz about this as next year it will be 50 years since the Stones last played live as The Cockroaches.”

TALIA MAR is hoping to work with DJ Sigala again.

The pair collaborated on 2022 dance track Stay The Night.

Asked if she would like to work with him this year, Talia told me: “Oh my God, yes. I was talking to him the other day. He is summer. I was like, ‘Can we get some new music please, because it is summer?’.”

Talia who has released new track Lady, will play at London’s Courtyard Theatre on May 16.

She said: “I want it to be really casual, I don’t want it to be glitz and glamour.

“Stripping it down is a really lovely moment.”

TIM’S CHILL TIME DOWN TO A TEE

TIMOTHEE CHALAMET has been enjoying some chill-out time on the beach.

After watching Justin Bieber at Coachella with his girlfriend Kylie Jenner last weekend, he headed for Miami to relax.

The Marty Supreme actor paid homage to his movie with a “Supreme” Wu-Tang Clan tee.

Tim was later seen catching some rays shirtless and sipping on a Coke.
Lovely.

AFTER the whirlwind success of No1 hit Stick Season, Noah Kahan didn’t rush back into the studio.

In fact, he stopped completely. Facing writer’s block and still processing everything that had happened, he stepped away for six months, forced to rethink not just the music, but what success meant.

His 2022 album Stick Season — rooted in Vermont and exploring mental health, identity and small-town life — transformed the singer from a cult folk artist into a global name.

Topping the charts in the UK, the record was also certified multi-platinum in the US, where it sold over four million copies and had billions of global streams.

Kahan was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist and the emotionally raw, nostalgic and deeply personal record was widely seen as one of the defining albums of the decade.

“I just couldn’t write for a while,” he confesses. “When I first got off the road, I didn’t make any music in a long time.

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“I spent months not doing anything and it was painful because I like to be busy.

“It took so much strength for me to push that feeling away.

“I’m aware of how rare the moment was, how big the moment was and how lucky and fortunate I was, but my whole life I was trying to prove to people that I had a place here. So when the huge moment was happening, instead of being like, ‘Yeah, I made it’, I was like, ‘Oh my god, how am I going to stay here?’.”

That pressure quickly took its toll. Kahan said: “Writer’s block is such a lonely feeling — it makes you feel like your value’s been taken away. I felt completely unable to open up about it, but I ended up reaching out to friends.

“Marcus Mumford really helped. He understood what it’s like to be under a lot of pressure and afraid of failing and gave me great advice.”

Kahan also had to redefine success. It was not chasing numbers — just being able to make music was enough.

He says: “I learned the hard way about burnout. Success is a double-edged sword. I’ve always said if I had any, or if my tour sells out, I’d be happy. But the second it sells out, you’re looking at the next thing to achieve.

“Starting off this new album was really scary. I had to realise I didn’t need to be the biggest artist in the world or where Stick Season took me. I didn’t need to be successful to be loved.”

Kahan is in London for a few days to promote The Great Divide, his fourth studio album, which is out next Friday.

Taking time off to reset both mentally and emotionally was essential to writing again.

“I’ve struggled with my mental health,” he says candidly.

“But I was struggling more than anybody knew. I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia, but it was the OCD that I hadn’t figured out.

“I was diagnosed with OCD last year. It’s not about washing my hands a thousand times — it’s obsessive thinking. I was struggling with a lot of self-esteem and confidence issues, but I’d never dealt with anything so acutely like OCD. I’m supposed to be the singer who’s open about his mental health, but I felt so much shame.

“I needed medical intervention and therapy, and I didn’t want to be open about that because I was afraid. It was frightening as I’d been stripped of

this thing I loved.

“I couldn’t express myself through music any more, and so I didn’t tell anybody and it came to a breaking point.”
Through help and time, Kahan started to recognise his disorder in ways he hadn’t before.

“Now I wake up knowing my day is not going to be decided by what I see on my phone,” he says when discussing how therapy has helped him.

“Before, I’d have 700 brilliant words of praise, but it would be the one negative word that would shatter me. For a long time, I thought I was crazy.”

In August 2025, Kahan married his longtime partner Brenna Nolan, bringing a new sense of stability to his life.

The singer has also made a Netflix documentary — Noah Kahan: Out Of Body. It captures this difficult period, which he sees as part of his healing.

He says: “Making the film was a strange but amazing process. Having people follow you around took time to get used to, but they captured a really honest moment for me. Watching it back with my family was emotional. It showed how we really are.

“It was hard seeing how unhappy I was then, but in the end, it told a beautiful story.”

He adds: “My family are on the new record. I love the song American Cars. It’s about my sister.

“Whenever things were tough at home, she’d drive up from New York in a rental car, sunglasses on, just a total badass.

“She’s a surgeon, she just gets things done. She’d come back and help us through it, and the song came from that. Like, you need to come home and help fix this.”

The Great Divide is an album about friendship, miscommunication, regret and personal growth, and the title track became the guiding, emotional “north star” of the record.

He says: “Yeah, The Great Divide is really about a friendship that didn’t work out — one where I wasn’t able to express myself.

“And then there’s a song, Dan, which is about the opposite — being open, telling each other how much you care, facing hard truths. It ends in a way that really encapsulates the whole record. It’s probably my favourite song we made.

“There are a lot of stories,” he adds.

“It’s very emblematic of my childhood and a lot of people’s, young men in particular. Talking about feelings or asking difficult questions can feel like more discomfort than it’s worth, but the consequence is you don’t really know someone as well as you think you do.”

It’s an expansive album with 17 tracks, including the gorgeous We Go Way Back, Willing And Able, Haircut and Porch Light.

He adds: “I can’t wait to see crowds singing back Willing And Able, and Haircut started from that idea of someone coming back to town changed — like they’ve outgrown it. I felt like I’d become that person, only going home for inspiration instead of really being there.

“The song is almost someone singing to me, saying, I’m glad you’ve figured things out, but at least I’m still here and still real. You’ll leave again, and we’ll still be here. That’s what it’s about.

“Then, Porch Light is really about my biggest fear — how I’ve changed.

“I worry about going home and feeling like people see me differently, like I’ve become this ‘Hollywood’ version of myself, too big for where I’m from. That my relationship with Vermont has been changed by success and leaving Vermont for Nashville.

“But my family has always kept me grounded. They’re so happy for me. I wanted to write about that fear you have in your head before you even pick up the phone.

“You’re always anticipating what people might think. But there’s a silver lining in Porch Light. It’s about people saying, ‘We still care about you, we’ll still be here — but you need to figure things out first’.”

And that sense of place runs throughout the album.

“Yeah, the first and last songs really frame the album — I wanted them to feel like an intro and an outro,” Kahan says.

“The first track, End Of August, is this big, building track about that time of year in Vermont . . . It’s that moment when the tourists leave and the people who live there can finally come out of hibernation — like, ‘They’re gone’.”

He’s been working with Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon, The National’s Aaron Dessner — best known for his work with Taylor Swift, Bon Iver and, more recently, Gracie Abrams — plus Ed Sheeran and Mumford & Sons.

Kahan says: “Gabe and I are really close — we went through a lot making Stick Season, so on this album we leaned on each other. He’s like a brother and the perfect person to go through this with.”

Aaron Dessner brought calm, structure and creative balance to the process.

“Aaron came in early on, but I was intimidated at first,” admits Kahan. “I looked him up on Wikipedia and was terrified of his success. This guy’s a legend.

“This was where Taylor Swift writes and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), who works with Aaron, is my hero. Aaron has a magic to his music — a real understanding of what an artist is trying to say. But he’s a sweet, calm man who lives a very humble life in upstate New York on a farm.

“I needed him to stabilise me creatively. He is regimented in how he makes music and I need a routine. He is an amazing producer and this album sounds so f*****g cool because of what Aaron did.”

The sound on the new album is more expansive than Kahan’s earlier music and includes horns, guitar and richer production.

He says: “Honing on a sound and a theme started the process. Aaron’s place had dirt bikes, fishing rods and skeet shooting — all the things that I grew up doing.

“We couldn’t make the music in Vermont this time and the setting was really important, feeling connected to nature and beauty.

“It’s hard for me to make music in a city. Whenever I’m in a city, all I write is, ‘Get me out of the city’ songs.”

He adds: “We were also still in the middle of touring and I was over the Stick Season songs.

“There’s a lot of electric guitar on the new record, and bouzouki and mandocello, instruments we haven’t really used before. It’s a new confidence, but having spent three years on the road, I just want to make music that’s exciting to play live.”

It’s the connection with his audience that remains key.

He says: “I love it when I see fans singing back my songs as it means they’re feeling it.

“I’m always honoured when someone says my music has helped them to reach out for help. Though it can be overwhelming when people tell me they’re struggling with difficult thoughts.

“I don’t always feel equipped to handle that and I worry I’m not helping in the way they need. It’s hard when you feel you’re letting someone down.”

Now, his attention is focused on bringing the album to the stage.

He says: “I’m looking forward to playing these new songs. This record tells a story, so we’re working on the stage design, setlist and lighting to tell that story. We’re playing stadiums now, but I want fans to still have an intimate experience.”

Kahan returns to historic Boston baseball stadium Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, for four nights this July.

He will also be back in the UK, including three nights at London’s O2 in November.

He says: “I’m excited about those dates, but my dream is to play Stamford Bridge.

“It’s my favourite sport and I love Chelsea FC. But I was told you can’t play there. I’ve achieved so much already, but that is my ultimate dream.”

• The Great Divide album is out next Friday, April 24.

NOAH KAHAN – The Great Divide

★★★★★

SHE was 35 and in her prime when Smash Hits magazine published images of her parading the stage in a skimpy bra – and scoffed: “Calm down, grandma!”

But the cutting headline, which accompanied a review of her Girlie Show tour in 1993, did nothing to deter the uniquely stylish Madonna.

In a career spanning more than 40 years, she became the hottest female singer in the world, selling over 400million records.

But through it all, the Queen of Pop faced intense backlash over her appearance.

Critics have judged everything from her cone bra in 1990 to her Met Gala “bondage”-style outfit in 2016, when she was 57.

But now, as Madge prepares to return to the spotlight with her 15th studio album, she has done what many thought would never be possible.

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Aged 67, she is finally cool again.

The Vogue singer confirmed this week that she will release her first record in seven years this July — a sequel to her 2005 smash Confessions On A Dance Floor.

The original, inspired by disco and Eighties electropop, shifted more than 10million copies.

It featured No1 singles Hung Up and Sorry, and ushered in a new era of dance music.

Now, Confessions On A Dance Floor: Part II is promising to be a continuation of the project.

And Madonna is still not letting her age define her fashion, posing in a blue leotard, fishnets, a silver jacket and shades in a defiant photo to promote the record.

A music insider said: “Madonna has locked in for this project and it’s not at all what you’d expect from any other woman who is nearly 70.

“It has roots in New York house music and rave culture and her record label believes it will usher in a whole new generation of fans.

“Confessions 1 showed Madonna at her coolest and, after straying into other genres on her last few albums, this feels wonderfully authentic.”

Madge is yet to release the album’s first single, but she has been steadily building a Gen Z fanbase, who have been discovering her back catalogue.

Last month, her 1985 chart-topper Into The Groove returned to the Top 20 after going viral on TikTok.

Cruz Beckham, KSI, Aitch and Sam Thompson were among those who shared videos of themselves dancing to the song 41 years after it was a No1 hit.

And she is heavily tipped to make a live return tonight at the buzziest festival of the year alongside one of the world’s hottest young pop stars, Sabrina Carpenter, 26.

The Espresso singer will headline the second weekend of Coachella in California and has extended her set by ten minutes, further fuelling industry whispers that Madge may join her on stage.

It would be the veteran pop star’s first performance there in 20 years. She delivered a memorable set in 2006 following the release of her first Confessions album.

Sabrina idolises Madonna as a blueprint for pop music — and there are suggestions they may have collaborated on a song.

In 2024, she paid tribute to Madge by attending the MTV VMAs in a vintage strapless gown previously worn to the Oscars by her musical hero in 1991.

Sabrina said of Madonna last year: “She’s so lovely and so exactly how you expect her to be — just, like, so magnetic.”

Many of the current crop of pop starlets have named Madonna as their top inspiration.

Dua Lipa has said her 2020 No1 album Future Nostalgia was heavily influenced by Madge, and she worked with her on a remix of her song Levitating.

Jade Thirlwall said last year: “She is one of the best pop stars we will ever get.”

In fact, Madge has such pulling power, supermodel Kate Moss, plus film stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Gwendoline Christie, are set to have cameos in her comeback music video.

It is a sea-change from previous generations who used Madge as a verbal punching bag.

When asked to name the most overrated person in pop, Lily Allen once said: “Madonna. She might have meant something once, but I don’t know many people my age who care.”

And Lady Gaga insisted she could not be compared to the megastar, explaining: “I play a lot of instruments. I write all my own music . . .  I’m a producer. I’m a writer. What I do is different.”

On Wednesday, Madonna released a snippet of upcoming track I Feel So Free, which heavily samples the 1989 house tune French Kiss by Lil Louis.

The original features more than two minutes of sex noises — something which seems fitting for pop’s most notorious provocateur.

For Confessions II, Madonna has teamed up again with British producer Stuart Price, who was musical director on her 81-date Celebration Tour in 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend, former footballer Akeem Morris, 29, is regularly seen dancing and larking around with her in videos on TikTok, where her clips have been liked over 45million times.

Last month, Madonna was in Venice shooting for the second series of the Apple TV show The Studio, in which she will appear opposite Julia Garner.

But now it is full steam ahead with her music, after re-signing with Warner Records — her label for the first 24 years of her career.

Madonna said of her new album: “When Stuart Price and I first started working on this record, this was our manifesto: We must dance, celebrate and pray with our bodies . . .  To rave is an art. It’s about pushing your limits and connecting to a community of like-minded people.”

Gen Z will not know what has hit them . . . 

Noah Kahan has bravely opened up about his battle with body dysmorphia in a new Netflix documentary.

In film Out Of Body, the Stick Season singer says: “I’ve always hated the way I looked. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life.

“I binge eat a lot of food when I’m feeling stressed and then I get so hateful about my body and what I look like that I don’t eat for a while and I starve myself.

“When I look in the mirror, I feel like I don’t see what my body actually looks like.”

Later in the film, which was released yesterday, he explains: “Disordered eating is something I’ve experienced in ways my whole life but in my adult life, in the last four or five years

“Sometimes I’ll see a photo and people will be like, ‘You look great,’ and I’ll be like, ‘What do you mean? I look like, 300 or 400lb.’

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“I don’t know what I look like. No clue.”

Other scenes reveal fame has not done him any favours mentally. He is shown in late 2024 working on new album The Great Divide, which is due out on April 24, and says: “Now my mental health has never been as low as it has been the last three months of my life.”

With another sold-out tour in June, I hope he’s got the support he needs now.

Leigh’s reddy to rock

Leigh-Anne had a famous face in the crowd for her solo show in London.

Former Little Mix bandmate Jade was spotted as Leigh-Anne took to the stage at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, proving there’s still plenty of love between the girls.

Looking every inch the pop star, the My Love singer wore this red leather bra and matching hula skirt.

And it was a family affair too, with Leigh-Anne bringing her twins on stage for an emotional moment during her song Heaven, which she wrote about them.

Opening the show, she told fans: “My solo journey has been a rollercoaster, it’s allowed me to find myself again.”

She added: “It’s not easy being an independent artist.

“It means everything that you’re here.”

The crowd lapped it up, screaming her name as she powered through tracks including No Hard Feelings – even joking: “I listen to my own music, is that OK?”

Fans lit up the room with their phone torches, while four lucky punters were pulled on stage to join the show.

With her high-energy choreography and the crowd fully behind her, Leigh-Anne proved this new chapter in her career is already hitting all the right notes.

It will end in tears, Sydney

Sydney Sweeney and her hit show Euphoria are facing a backlash after a trailer for the third series showed her character Cassie shooting adult online content – while dressed as a baby.

The HBO show returned last night and a teaser for future episodes showed Sydney wearing a nappy with her boobs on show, a dummy in her mouth and her hair in pigtails.

Her character will make adult content in the series, but fans think the creator Sam Levinson has gone too far.

One person on X called it “actually disgusting”, while another wrote: “There’s a line and Sam Levinson has severely crossed it.”

Chris gets on his soapbox

Ahead of me competing in the Redbull Soapbox Race this summer, Chris Evans has some words of advice.

And, if I’m honest, myself, Virgin Radio’s Ellie Davis and Kej Kamani, are now quaking in our trainers about the prospect of racing down the hill for the event at Alexandra Palace in London on June 20, which will be broadcast on the Discovery Channel.

Speaking on his Breakfast show on Virgin Radio UK, Chris, right, said: “Full disclosure: I used to own the company that makes this TV show so I’ve known about this forever.

“We have our official Virgin Radio Soapbox. And The Sun’s Ellie, Dennie, our boss, and Kej, who runs TFI Unplugged and Ellie who runs the radio station will be in the Soapbox.

“Ally Pally is a serious hill – this is like Formula One. That is why there are hay bales – it can be more dangerous than the F1.

“A regular Redbull Soapbox race in an hour will see more issues and rebuilding of the track than an F1 race. There have been episodes where not a single soapbox gets to the bottom of the hill because they all crash and burn. Well, not burn, but you know what I mean.”

Gulp.

Precious Stones for a grand

The Rolling Stones have sparked a vinyl frenzy, with fans shelling out more than £1,000 for a record that originally cost just £10.07.

Their ultra-limited white label single Rough And Twisted, released under the alias The Cockroaches at the weekend, was sold in tiny numbers at select indie shops, with some stores getting just four copies.

The mystery drop, teased with cryptic QR codes and a secret website, sent demand soaring.

But it’s left plenty of die-hard fans furious after missing out.

One fan said: “Even the crazies like me left empty-handed.”

Now copies are being flipped online for eye-watering prices, sparking calls for the band to release more and “kill the black market.”

Stones fans, of all people, should know that you can’t always get what you want.

Craig loves a chuckle

I thought Barry Chuckle had come back from the grave when I saw Craig Revel Horwood sporting this bushy moustache.

In a snap shared on Instagram, the Strictly judge posed on a balcony with late Barry’s brother Paul.

Craig, who has a surprising friendship with the Chucklevision entertainer, wrote: “What a treat to hang out with my bestie @officialpaulchuckle to film a secret project!”

One fan wrote: “You can’t ever replace Barry but that’s a cracking moustache.”

I couldn’t agree more.

FKA Twigs is in pole position

FKA Twigs closed weekend one of Coachella in sizzling style by performing while twirling around on a pole.

The British singer, clad in a tight black top and knee-high boots, played a 75-minute set on Sunday night and was brought to tears as she belted out her track Cellophane.

But at another point, Twigs – who won her first Grammy in February and has just completed her US tour – wielded a sword and pole danced, top right, while performing Love Crimes.

Bath-born PinkPantheress, who played in a frilly, checked bra-top, delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the festival including recent hits Stateside and Illegal.

Afterwards, she wrote on Instagram that she had “the best time ever”.

They will both be back on stage in California next weekend for the event’s second and final weekend.

A US musician has revealed he’s been scammed out of his entire £300,000 retirement fund in a shocking blow.

Singer G Love revealed that he had accidentally installed some malicious software onto his computer which resulted in scammers taking all of his cash.

The performer took to X – formerly Twitter – to speak out on the incident that saw his entire retirement fund stolen.

He wrote: “I had a really tough day today I lost my retirement fund in a hack/Scam when I switched my @Ledger over to my new computer and by accident downloaded a malicious ledger app from the @Apple store.

“All my BTC gone in an instant.”

The singer appeared to be referring to his bitcoin investments in the tweet.

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One of his fans replied to confirm they had reported his issue to the Ledger app.

Ledger is an app known to be used for storing cryptocurrency.

He further went on to add: “I lost 5.9 BTC all I had for ten years I worked on this f*** be careful out there.”

5.9 BTC can be converted to work out at approximately £300,000.

G Love is best known for being the frontman for the band G. Love & Special Sauce.

The 53-year-old has been in the music industry since the early 90s.

He has released various albums as part of the band as well as being a soloist.

He continues to regularly perform gigs and appear at festivals and events across America.

The most common scams

Source: Citizens Advice

Online shopping scams 26%
Investment scams 18%
Other financial scams 18%
A friend or family member needs help scams 16%
Mobile network scams 14%

HE IS known to not mince his words – and it seems Simon Cowell could get a taste of his own medicine.

I can reveal that his ex, Baywatch model Carmen Electra, and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul are both working on memoirs — which are set to feature their relationships with the music mogul.

A Los Angeles literary agent said: “Paula and Carmen are strong women and they won’t hold back when it comes to their memoirs.

“Carmen dated Simon, so knows what he is like when the cameras stop rolling.

“Rumours have swirled for years about Paula and Simon.

“They had undeniable chemistry on American Idol and now Paula has the chance to put the record straight.”

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Carmen and Simon were first linked in 2012 when she briefly starred as a guest judge on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

The pair were spotted on a series of dinner dates.

Speaking about Carmen in December 2012, Simon said: “She’s not my girlfriend. We’re people who date. She’s adorable, isn’t she?”

Paula had starred on American Idol with Simon for eight seasons between 2002 and 2009.

The pair, who also appear­ed together on The X Factor USA, were known for their chemistry on the shows.

Speaking of their relationship in 2011, he said: “On the first two seasons, we couldn’t travel on the same plane together.

“We really disliked each other that much. I think it was sexual tension — on her part.”

When later asked if the pair had ever dated, Paula replied: “Oh no! No! Ew, no!”.

Simon has proved himself as a family man — after getting engaged to American socialite Lauren Silverman in December 2021.

The couple, who have a 12-year-old son Eric, opened up their home to the cameras for Netflix’s show Simon Cowell: The Next Act.

On the six-part docu- series — which charts how the entertainment boss put together boyband December 10 — Simon praised his ­fiancee.

He said: “Lauren, she’s very strong, very emotional, but I love that.

“The reason we have such a great relationship is she always tells me the truth.”

Let’s hope Simon appreciates the same in these upcoming books.

SIMON likes snacking on oranges while filming the auditions for ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

A source said: “He loves ­oranges – specifically easy peelers. Runners were tasked with keeping the oranges flowing during filming in Blackpool and Birmingham.

“At one point he was giving them out to the crowd, who were ­asking him to sign them.”

Sabrina’s Carchella

SABRINA CARPENTER revved up the crowd with her headline set at Coachella on Friday night.

In a lace leotard, the starlett danced on top of a convertible car amid a sultry performance at the music festival in Palm Springs, America.

She was supported by Irish singer CMAT, Brit rapper ­Centra Cee and US stars Teddy Swims and Lizzo – who showed off her flute-playing skills.

Sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian watched on.

It sure looks less muddy than Glasto . . . 

Paul on a Roll with the Stones

HAVING made music history by appearing on a Rolling Stones’ album three years ago, Paul McCartney is repeating the feat.

The Beatles legend will feature on a track on their upcoming 25th album, which is due for release in July.

Believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, the collection of songs is largely being touted as the ­Stones’ final record.

It comes after Macca played bass on Bite My Head Off, a track on the Stones’ 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.

An insider said: “Details surrounding the Stones’ new album have been kept secret, but it’s true that Paul features on a new track on it. It’s a real treat for fans.”

Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion is reported to have filmed their new video in a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood dropped a new single yesterday under pseudonym The Cockroaches.

Macca and Jagger have previously ­competed over who was in the best band.

Caught Live: Craig David

By Olivia Monk

HE is marking 25 years in the game, but Craig David proved he has still got it – and revealed there’s plenty more to come.

The 7 Days singer told fans at the venue in Hammersmith, West London that he is working on new music.

At his Born To Do It: 25th Anniversary gig on Thursday he had the crowd hooked from the off, admitting with hand on heart: “Oh man, we’re getting emotional here.”

But the biggest moment came when he brought out Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Fraser T Smith – who has worked with Craig as well as Adele and Rita Ora among others – and confirmed they are collaborating again.

Craig said: “He’s my brother, and also someone I’m back in the studio making new music with.”

The pair shared a stripped-back set, with Fraser cheekily flipping Craig’s famous ad lib to: “Fraser T all over your . . . ”

Still, fans were there for the classics – and Craig delivered.

Introducing 7 Days – his second consecutive UK No1 in 2000 – he said: “This song changed everything for me.” Delighted fans sang every word back.

Hit song Rewind sparked more chaos, with one over-excited fan even throwing a red bra on stage as the Apollo turned into one big party.

With energy like that, Craig won’t be Walking Away from the music industry any time soon.

SERIES two of Disney+ hit Rivals is set to feature shocking sex scenes between Danny Dyer and his on-screen partner Katherine Parkinson.

The actress, who plays novelist Lizzie Vereker in the show, back next month, teases: “You’ll see a lot of me and Danny, possibly more than you’ll want to see.”

An insider added: “It’s raunchier than the first series and will raise a lot of eyebrows.” I can’t wait.

LOUIS PARTRIDGE is the latest actor tipped to play the next James Bond – and aged 22, he could be the youngest to take the iconic role.

The Brit, whose two-year romance with Olivia Rodrigo ended last year – starred in House of Guinness, which dropped on Netflix last September.

The historical drama series was created by Steven Knight, who is writing the script for the next Bond film.

Of impressing Steven, Louis said: “Maybe I could just be at the bar swilling a martini, saying nothing.”

Glam dash for Doc in frock

SURANNE JONES does a runner as she films for the third and final series of BBC One drama Doctor Foster.

The actress was spotted running in a black satin dress and heels has returned as the titular character.

She was also seen behind the wheel of a burgundy Porsche, and springing from the motor during filming in Hertfordshire this week.

Of her third season in the thriller, Suranne said: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right.”

The first series premiered in September 2015 and followed Dr Foster as she uncovers her husband Simon – Bertie Carvel – having an affair.
Series two aired in 2017.

A MEMBER of a huge girlband has teased a reunion tour – and fans will likely be bursting with excitement over the potential slew of gigs should they set plans in motion.

The Saturdays are approaching their 20th anniversary, with a reunion tour now on the cards for the girls, as per one of the members.

The hit girlband, who had hits with What About Us and Ego, was made up of Molly King, Frankie Bridge, Rochelle Humes, Vanessa White and Una Healy.

Una is the bandmate who has hinted the possibility of a tour.

The Irish beauty has revealed she is “rallying all the girls” for a reunion tour after discussing plans with bandmate Molly. 

The band initially rose to fame in 2007 before disbanding in 2014. 

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At the time, the girls insisted they were not splitting up, but instead taking a “break”.

Speaking on 2FM Morning with Laura Fox, Una said now would “be a good time” to get reunion plans in the works. 

Una said: “I hope so, you know that it has been 18 years now.

“So only two more to go. It was 2008 since the first single.

“The years are flying by it’s scary.”

She then added: “I was recently talking to Molly and she just reminded me. She was like ‘you know it’s the big 20th now, in two years’.

“I always think that the noughties was ten years ago. So I think that it would be a good time. It would take time to get a tour together.”

Una then revealed: “I am trying to rally them all up and I want it to be all of us as well. We all do. That’s how we all collectively feel. 

“If we ever do anything again it would have to be all five or it wouldn’t be the same.

“I would just love if it was all of us.”

Last summer, we reported the mysterious ‘feud’ between two of the bandmates as the stars ‘snubbed’ each other at Wimbledon after a 24-year friendship.

Rochelle and Frankie grew up in the spotlight together but last summer they mingled with celebrities just yards from each other yet failed to speak between them.

At the time, an insider told The Sun: “It was clear the women were keeping their distance. They sat on opposite sides of the suite and kept to themselves.”

THE ROLLING STONES continue to champion new talent, this time signing up Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion for their next video.

The wise old rockers previously cast Sydney Sweeney in the vid to accompany 2023 comeback single Angry.

Now they are hoping to repeat that success, as I can reveal they have got one of Gen Z’s buzziest names on board.

Odessa filmed the visuals during a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.

I’m told loads of extras of all ages and styles were brought in to reflect the Stones over the years.

A music industry insider said: “The video represents the Stones through the ages. There’s a lot going on. They brought in lots of extras to represent subcultures and sonic histories.

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“The idea is it blends everything from blues souls and punk kids with old school rockers and Northern Soul dancers.

“Then there’s a load of glam rock attitude and DIY chaos to echo the legacy of the Stones.

“Odessa is at the centre of it all.

“The video should look really impressive when it’s all tied together.”

The return of the Stones has been talked about for a while, but there isn’t long left to wait at all.

The band is expected to drop a new song today, as I revealed on Wednesday.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood have been teasing their return under the pseudonym The Cockroaches.

They are coming back with their 25th album, believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, which is largely being touted as their final record together.

It is a follow-up to their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, with the tracks mainly being written and recorded during the same sessions.

Unfortunately for their fans, I’ve been told there are no immediate plans for the band to hit the road again just yet.

But I live in hope the band will rethink that — when they see just how many people snap up this new album when it drops later in the year.

Zara up to finny business

ZARA LARSSON is por-poised for action as she lifts a dummy dolphin over her head.

She dazzled in a sequined skirt split to the waist and a tiny bikini top while fronting Spanish label Desigual’s Life’s A Beach campaign.

Zara has signed a major deal with the clothing brand for a new range inspired by her Y2K look.

Meanwhile, her US tour ends tomorrow in Houston, Texas – then she’ll focus on a deluxe version of her 2025 album Midnight Sun, due out next month.

Zara has remixed tracks with female collaborators. Tyga, Madison Beer and Jade are among stars expected to be involved.

The record originally peaked at No36, but with Zara enjoying a popularity surge, I predict a massive leap up the charts.

Derm’s so Keane on his main man

DERMOT KENNEDY has a surprising role model in his music career – football great Roy Keane.

His inspiration during gigs is the memory of Man United hero Keane playing against Juventus in 1999.

Despite being yellow-carded, the captain put in a blistering performance that took them to the Champions League final.

Dermot whose album The Weight Of The Woods became his third No1 last night, said of Roy: “If you ask about the way I sing, it’s purely him.

“He has a thing in his book where, when he was younger trying to get spotted, he would play a match to 100 or 200 people, and he developed the skill of creating the atmosphere in his head.

“I think I have that in music. If I play to ten people, I will rip it because I don’t care how many people are there.”

Dermot also shares a love of football with Roy once playing for Dublin’s Crumlin United.

He said: “I’m a far better person when I’m playing football regularly. Whatever feeling everyone thinks I get from music, I get it from football. It’s the one time my mind is clear.”

But Dermot has another reason to be inspired after his wife Aisling Finnegan gave birth to their daughter.

Asked how long they have been together, he told the And The Writer Is . . .  podcast: “I would have been eight years old.

“We went to school together. What age did I know? Early twenties, probably.”

Michaela in a flap

MICHAELA COEL looks amazing despite her suit falling apart at the seams as she steps out in New York.

The actress, whose outfit had several flappy features, recently admitted she didn’t love appearing in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which she played warrior Aneka.

She said: “I really don’t think I was ready for that world of green screen acting. I don’t know how to do that.”

Maybe she’s struggling with new styles.

Nineties exhibition shines the spotlight on Scary’s catsuit

THE famous leopard-print catsuit Mel B wore when the Spice Girls performed at the Brit Awards in 1997 is going on display.

Former Bizarre editor Dominic MOhan has curated the exhibition, 1996: 30 Years On, and managed to get hold of the catsuit which was worn to perform their debut hit Wannabe.

Mel said: “It was all a crazy Nineties whirlwind but, in my leopard print, I knew I could take on anything. This outfit is sexy, naughty and bold, which pretty much sums me and the Nineties up.”

Also on display will be Emma Bunton’s dress from the same performance, Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack boots and a signed Liam Gallagher‘s tambourine.

It opens on Thursday at the Barbican Music Library in London and runs until September 19.

Dom will be launching his four-part show Cool Britannia on Virgin Radio tomorrow from 6pm.

OLIVIA DEAN is obsessed with Love Island.

She said: “I just watched Love Island All Stars and, oh my god, what amazing television that was.

“Thank you everybody involved for that. It really got me through the last couple of months and I loved it. No notes. Can’t wait for the next season.”

She also had a message for its host: “Maya Jama, I love you.”

Even pop’s busiest acts can’t resist a bit of villa drama.

Masterclass by B-Side Boys as jangling Mars Attacks

THERE aren’t many acts that can pull off five sell- out shows by promising only B sides, album tracks and no hits.

But the Pet Shop Boys did, without breaking a sweat.

I’d happily listen to Neil Tennant sing the back of a crisp packet, but he and Chris Lowe had something more special in store here in Camden, North London.

They whipped out guest Johnny Marr early on, who added some excellent guitar jangling on Up Against it from 1996 and 2003’s I Didn’t Get Where I Am Today.

They might be synthpop’s finest duo, but they can rock out too. With a back catalogue spanning more than 40 years, you can forgive Neil for needing lyrics printed out for the more obscure numbers, and being overjoyed at a stool, joking: “Ooh, I can sit down now, like Westlife.”

They finished by teasing the launch of their upcoming musical, Naked, performing a song from it called I Dream Of A Better Tomorrow.

Right now, that’s a mantra we can all get behind.

BROKEN Social Scene is more than just a band, it is a community.

The Canadian collective is at the beating heart of Toronto’s freewheeling indie music scene.

If you attempt to count the combined total of active and inactive members, you arrive at a mind-boggling approximation somewhere between 20 and 30.

“What I love about this band is that it’s an open door,” affirms singer and guitarist Kevin Drew.

Since forming Broken Social Scene in 1999 with Brendan Canning, Drew has been its lynchpin . . . albeit one with an unerringly democratic approach.

“We invited everybody in and we didn’t have rules,” adds the 49-year-old frontman. “And we went out and did our f***ing best.”

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Over the years, notable collaborators have included an array of Canada’s finest singers, including solo artist Feist, Amy Millan of Stars and SFTW’s other interviewee this week, Emily Haines of Metric.

Drew cemented his place at the centre of the scene by co-founding progressive label Arts & Crafts in 2003 and has known many of the artists since he was a teenager.

Now, Broken Social Scene are back with their first album in nine years, Remember The Humans, a typically multi-layered affair but one that never loses touch with a winning melody.

Through words and music, it serves as a telling reminder that in this dislocated tech-driven world, we are still mere mortals with very human feelings.

Drew is at home outside Toronto and I’m in London when we hook up for a video call this week.

Before we discuss Broken Social Scene’s welcome return to the fray, he balances his phone on a copy of Irma Rombauer’s hefty culinary classic, The Joy Of Cooking, to bring his face into full view.

He apologises for appearing a bit flushed and says with a big smile: “Sorry, I just took a sauna.”

I quickly discover that Drew is a disarming character with a refreshingly open take on life.

“My dad was from London originally,” he continues. “I said, ‘Hey Pops, I’m gonna speak to The Sun’, and he went, ‘Oh, my gosh, I remember The Sun — it used to have the pin-ups!’ ”

I inform Drew that one of my earliest reviews for SFTW was Broken Social Scene’s self-titled breakthrough third album, released in 2005. “So, we have a long relationship together, which I love,” he responds without a trace of irony.

Introductions out of the way, he’s ready for me to ask why it’s the right time for a new album, as well as a triple headliner tour with Metric and Stars, which is coming to the UK in September.

“We came to a realisation through playing shows after the pandemic that this IS our life,” he says. “This is something we have spent so much of our lives working on.

“We still find much joy in melody and we are part of the muscle memory business now.

“At the age we’re at and with what we’ve achieved already, we made a firm choice to continue.

“Between us all, we have had so much loss of family and friends, but we found that grief made us grateful for what we’ve got.”

Drew is thrilled to be heading out with his comrades from Metric (particularly Jimmy Shaw) and Stars, a trek that summons “the true spirit of what we have been from the beginning”.

Audiences can expect some band-hopping, meaning that Drew can’t really say how many people will be on stage with him.

“I haven’t a clue,” he says. “But I do know there will be a LOT.” The latest chapter in the Broken Social Scene story probably began in 2022 with a 20th anniversary tour of their second album, You Forgot It People, and its songs that still resonate today.

Drew and his fellow travellers realised they might provide some solace in a world where “identity is at war, fear is prominent at every turn” and where “hope is a very tired word”.

He says: “We thought, ‘Let’s do our tiny little protests, let’s continue to demonstrate community’. After all, it’s not hard for us to make music because there’s so many of us.

“Just by being around for 25 years, we have our own sound.”

One song from You Forgot It People — Anthems For A 17-Year-Old Girl, with Metric’s Haines on lead vocals — has acquired a new audience, as Drew explains.

“Thanks to the [2024] film I Saw The TV Glow, the trans community has brought that song into their lives and embraced it.

“It went viral on TikTok, then suddenly all our listens went up. It was the greatest award we’ve ever been given. We were so touched.”

For Drew, it was proof positive that “music helps to build your identity, to find your own people and to express yourself. Right now, that is something to hold on to”.

With its layers of horns, guitars and synthesisers as well as various distinctive voices, new album Remember The Humans is a triumph for freedom of expression.

There’s also a strong feeling of Broken Social Scene coming full circle, enhanced by the return of original producer David Newfeld.

Drew picks up the story: “I moved out of the city, just half an hour away from where Dave had moved 18 years ago.

“He started coming over for dinner and there was a lot of laughter. He’s so old school — still has a flip phone because he doesn’t think smart phones are smart.

“I reached out to him about working together again. I missed his sound and his passion, which were so unpredictable.

“Next thing I knew, I was on a two-and-a-half-year journey of starts and stops — and loss. I lost my mom and he lost his, so we bonded over that.”

It’s clear that the new album’s heartfelt opening song Not Around Anymore is, among other things, a product of their grieving process.

Drew adds: “Dave also latched on to the song And I Think of You. If you put it through headphones, you are hearing his grief over his mom. He records that thing, mixes it and he takes you on a journey.

“His mom was his world — they talked three times a day. Once he’d lost her, I realised it would help him to put love and loss into some of this music.”

We move on to other key contributors, firstly Feist, who resurrects What Happens Now, a song that reportedly didn’t make the cut for Broken Social Scene’s 2017 album Hug Of Thunder.

“Leslie Feist is a different entity because she’s so solo in her success,” says Drew. “There’s us, Metric and Stars, but she became the biggest of all on her own.”

He adds that Feist has “an open invitation” to be part of Broken Social Scene’s endeavours.

“I always tell her, ‘You’re welcome at this home any time you help build it. In fact, you’ve got your own wing!’ ”

Over acoustic strums, atmospheric electronica and occasional swells of horns, Feist’s ghostly delivery turns What Happens Now into a standout moment. “I’m honoured we were able to put it on this record,” says Drew. “It fits the theme.

“I love the cadence of Leslie’s vocals, the way it seems as if she is drowning before she becomes so clear. It’s so Feist.”

Another singer to make a significant contribution is Hannah Georgas, who became involved in Broken Social Scene’s world through being a support act.

Drew says she made Only The Good I Keep her own, and adds: “She neurologically removed my topline [lead vocal melody] — but we need people to have ownership.

“At first, I called Hannah and said, ‘This is great, but I’ve got something I can’t get in’. Two days later, I couldn’t even remember what I was saying and all I could hear was her version.”

Broken Social Scene regular Lisa Lobsinger brought the song Relief into the mix — providing another insight into the band’s democratic process.

Drew reports: “We got this email out of the blue from Lisa saying she kept singing a song in her head while meditating, and she thought it was by Social Scene.”

Lobsinger realised she was making up Relief by herself in that moment, so she submitted it.

“We sent it to the crew, and everyone loved it,” continues Drew. “So, I said, ‘Oh my God, Lisa, let’s do it!’ ”

Before we go our separate ways, Drew leaves me with telling observations about more general topics related to his home country.

Much as he appreciates iconic Canadian artists like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, he singles out some of the lesser-known trailblazers who inspired him — “Thrush Hermit, Sloan, Hayden and Godspeed You! Black Emperor”.

And he has this to say about Donald Trump’s wacky idea of making Canada the 51st US state.

“I say to the younger members of the band, ‘Don’t listen to this man. In fact, don’t listen to men in general — if they have a microphone, they won’t do you any favours, including rock singers!’ ”

It’s a typical comment from someone for whom community spirit means everything.

In Broken Social Scene, decides Drew, “we are empaths, not sociopaths. No one has their identity wrapped up in this band”.

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
Remember The Humans

★★★★★

A CLASSIC British rock band’s touring plans have been put on hold until one member gets a bill of clean health.

The band YES was due to embark on an 11-date European tour this month, launching in Glasgow on April 22nd – but the group’s guitarist Steve Howe has to undergo essential surgery, forcing the band to announce a change in plans.

YES was set to play their much-loved 1971 album Fragile in full, after the success of their North American tour in 2025.

But taking to Instagram, the group have issued a statement explaining the need to postpone.

“The upcoming YES ‘Fragile’ UK and EU Tour has had to be postponed as guitarist Steve Howe requires an essential operation that requires recovery time,” read the statement on social media.

“This decision has been made to ensure that Steve can return to the stage in full health and deliver the performances that fans deserve.

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“We are working hard to reschedule the UK and EU shows to a later date, with full details to be announced after Easter.

“Steve Howe and YES would like to thank their UK fans and hope for their continued support at this time.”

The post explained that tickets would be valid for the rescheduled dates and that the concerts would take place later in 2026.

Fans took to the comments underneath the post to express concern for Steve, wishing him well.

One wrote: “The most important thing is Steve’s health… wishing a full and speedy recovery to one of rock’s greats!”

YES released Fragile as their fourth album – and it’s widely considered their best among fans and critics alike.

The group formed in 1969, but Steve didn’t join until a year later, replacing original guitarist Peter Banks.

The group gained considerable recognition with their third and fourth albums – The Yes Album and Fragile – which were both released in 1971.

The latter included famed single Roundabout.

Over the decades, 20 different members have been part of YES, including founding members Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Tony Kaye.

Steve is the only remaining member of his era, now joined by lead singer Jon Davison, drummer Jay Schellan, keyboard player Geoff Downes, and Billy Sherwood on bass.

In 2017, the group had to cut another tour short due to personal circumstances when Steve’s 41-year-old son tragically died from a heart attack.

YES are considered the pioneers of progressive rock by many music fans, known also for their impressive live performances, and are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The band originally split in 1980, with some members attempting to launch spin-off groups, which mostly failed to take off.

One of these groups ended up comprising mostly of ex-YES members, and in 1983 the band was re-launched.

More incarnations of the group followed, with Steve eventually leaving in the early 1990s, returning later that decade, before the group split again in the early 2000s.

They reformed again in 2009 and have recorded new material and toured on-and-off ever since, marking their 50th anniversary in the process.

In 2024, former keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the group, saying he felt it was “time to call it a day”.

Steve and the other current line-up have continued with the group without Rick over the past two years.

PIANO Man Billy Joel has recorded a special interview to air during Eurovision thanks to his song named after host city Vienna, I can reveal.

Afterwards, Austrian singer Cesar Sampson, who finished third in 2018, will cover the song before the results are revealed.

I’m told there were hopes Billy could fly over to make a surprise appearance at the contest.

But it was ruled out on health grounds.

Billy was diagnosed last May with a rare neurological disorder that can cause issues with hearing, balance and vision, although he is having physical therapy to treat it.

The musician has already cancelled all of his 2026 concerts, including shows in Edinburgh and Liverpool.

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However, he did make a surprise appearance in Florida on January 2.

A source close to the singer, who will turn 77 a week before the final on May 16, said: “Billy has recorded an interview talking about his love for Vienna and his links to the city, which is all tied into his song.

“Organisers originally hoped he could perform but that was ruled out. They will be making a big deal of this very rare interview with him.”

He has sold more than 160million records and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Vienna was released in 1977 as the B-side to Just The Way You Are, and is now among his most popular tracks.

Ultravox’s 1980 hit, also called Vienna, is arguably even more popular.

But frontman Midge Ure certainly won’t be there, as he will be in the middle of a UK tour.

The 70th edition of the contest will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena after 166million tuned in to see Austrian singer JJ win with Wasted Love last year.

Celine Dion had been in talks to perform at the 2025 event in Switzerland, but it didn’t happen as she continued to battle Stiff Person Syndrome.

I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed that the Eurovision entries themselves provide plenty of entertainment instead.

IT’S being billed as a huge tribute concert to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November.

But I’m told the “Manichester” event in honour of the Stone Roses bassist, organised by his brother Greg, has caused a rift in the family.

The concert will see musicians including Zak Starkey, Baz Fratelli from The Fratellis, John Mcclure from Reverend And The Makers and Simone Butler from Primal Scream come together at Manchester’s Diecast in May.

Cast are also lined up to perform, along with Mick Rossi from Slaughter & The Dogs and Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim.

But while the concert was believed to have the full support of Mani’s family, which includes his twin sons Gene and George, insiders say not everyone is in agreement.

A source said: “Mani’s legacy and celebrating that is so important to so many people.

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“But not everyone related to him is happy about this concert.

“Even his young son Gene has voiced his concerns on social media.

“It is all very messy and is spilling over into the public domain.

“This is not what Mani would have wanted. His twin boys were everything to him.”

Greg confirmed earlier this month that he was organising the tribute concert, and said there were hopes of snaring Noel and Liam Gallagher to perform, as well as Johnny Marr.

He said: “I think it will be brilliant.

“With the names already in the hat, and the names we’re yet to announce, it’s a worthy thing, a tribute to our kid, a Mancunian legend, and I know he’d love it.

“He would be absolutely buzzing about it.”

Mani, who was best known for his work with Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at home in Manchester aged 63.

Noel and Liam made an on-stage dedication to him during their Oasis ’25 Live reunion tour, while rock icons including Stone Roses singer Ian Brown turned out to pay their respects at his funeral.

As a fan of Mani, I hope this can be resolved quickly and without further upset.

LITTLE BRIT OF FAMILY TIME

BRITNEY SPEARS is being supported by her sons following her arrest for driving under the influence – and it’s about time too.

For years, the Circus singer was deserted by her boys – who she has with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

But it seems they are back in her life and bringing a smile to her face.

She shared a video on Instagram on a boat with Sean and Jayden, during a getaway, including a shot of them smiling together.

Britney wrote: “Thank you guys for all your support… Spending time with family and friends is such a blessing!”

AITCH FIZZES MUSIC

HE was flying high after his stint in I’m A Celebrity last year.

But now Aitch is facing another trial, and it could be just as gruesome.

I’m told the Strike Me A Pose rapper is embroiled in a legal row over his Syps drinks brand with two former directors of the company.

Aitch, real name Harrison Armstrong, created Syps back in 2023 with businessmen David Olusegun and Alexander El-Nemer – with the trio proudly showing off their fizzy, flavoured water at events across the UK.

But I’m told that partnership is now well and truly over, with David and Alexander resigning as directors.

A source said: “Harrison has fallen out with David and Alexander and it seems there is no going back.

“They’re in a full-blown legal dispute and it’s all in the hands of their lawyers.

“The three created the brand together so it could get messy.

“Harrison is still working on the brand and is running things with his manager.

“How quickly this is going to get resolved is the question. One thing is for sure though, Harrison wants it dealt with so he can move on.”

TAMER ROLE FOR HARDMAN ACTOR

TAMER HASSAN is swapping punch-ups for pull-ons after landing a major new deal with sportswear giant Reebok.

The hardman actor has filmed an advert for a bold campaign inspired by Robin Hood, of all people.

It sees Tamer playing a cheeky “friendly villain” who nicks sports kits before handing them out to kids.

He is joined by UK rapper K-Trap, and starry cameos from
Gary Oldman, Laila Morse and Lisa Maffia.

An insider said: “Tamer is genuinely thrilled to be part of something revitalised and forward-thinking.

“Reebok is part of the culture, and seeing it evolve with fresh energy in 2026 makes this really exciting.”

The retro-style campaign is also a nod to 2005 British crime flick The Business, which starred Tamer alongside Danny Dyer.

Filmed at a secret North London location, the advert is set to drop later this month and marks the start of a huge year for the actor.

He’s gearing up for the premiere of Rise Of The Footsoldier: Retribution at Cannes in May, ahead of its UK cinema release this summer.

From the big screen to the high street, it sounds like Tamer has a lot going for him right now.

TEARY NIGHT FOR ELLIE’S WOLF PACK

WOLF ALICE had an emotional night headlining the final evening of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s concert series – with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell breaking down in tears.

The group debuted two new songs, Hit The Sky and Gospel Oak, and towards the end of the latter, her voice broke and she became teary.

She asked the band to restart the track from the beginning of the final verse and was then hugged by guitarist Joff Oddie and bassist Theo Ellis.

Later, Theo admitted that performing in London’s Royal Albert Hall for the charity concert was making him emotional, too.

He said: “These are my best friends. It’s unbearable how much I want to cry all the time in this gaff.”

They deservedly picked up the British Group gong at the Brit Awards last month following the success of their fourth studio album, The Clearing – one of the best British albums of 2025.

If you’re yet to see them, make sure you make it to one of the festivals they’re playing across the UK this summer.

BENSON SWOON

BENSON BOONE got his fans hot under the collar while cooking up this tour announcement.

He whipped off his top, cracked eggs with his biceps and showed off his rippling muscles as he added ingredients to a bowl while baking a cake.

It was eventually topped with the poster for his new Wanted Man tour.

I have to applaud him for the sexy and hilarious snippet posted on Instagram, but it’s a sea change from 12 months ago when he told Rolling Stone magazine that he didn’t want to rely on his body to sell shows.

He told the mag: “I definitely remember there was a time where I would take my shirt off because I didn’t know what else to do.

“I don’t want to rely on my physical form to be the primary driver of my shows.”

It’s a good job he’s had a fair few hits.

YOU BOOTY, KATYA

STRICTLY’S Katya Jones looked the part – and had the footwear to match – when she strutted in to watch the opening night of musical Kinky Boots.

And she was in for a real treat.

With glitter, tinsel, red leather and high heels, this latest production of the hit show is a dazzling spectacle, the likes of which the West End has rarely seen.

Fellow Strictly star Johannes Radebe is mind-blowing as drag queen Lola, above, proving his singing voice and stage charisma are almost as brilliant as his dancing.

But playing the perfect straight man is X Factor winner Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s ailing shoe factory in Northampton and comes up with a plan to save it by making footwear for Lola and her fellow artistes.

Fun, feel-good and unforgettable, everyone should try these Kinky Boots for size.

A FOUNDING member of Seventies glam rock band Showaddywaddy, guitarist Trevor Oakes, has died the group announced today.

Former lead singer Dave Bartram who is now manager, said the 79-year-old musician passed away peacefully on February 18 after “a long illness”.

The band specialised in Fifties and Sixties classics including their only UK No1 single Under the Moon of Love in 1976 and still tours but with only drummer Romeo Challenger from the original line-up.

It enjoyed 15 Top Twenty hits during their peak from 1974 to 1979.

Bartram, also the group’s manager, said: “Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have quite scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve.

“He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, which will be sadly missed by all those dear to him.

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“ I could write a book about the incredible memories we’ve shared over the past fifty-seven years, but most of all I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship. Your true friend Dave.”

A source claimed to The Sun that Bartram died in a Leicester care home and that his funeral has already taken place.

No further details have been released about Oakes’ illness or cause of death.

The musician was born in Leicester and worked as press knife maker before becoming a professional musician.

Oakes quit the band when he was aged 62 in May 2009 after suffering ill health, according to his biography on its website.

He has two ex-footballer sons, Stefan Oakes who played for Leicester City in the Premier League, and Scott Oakes, whoi had a spell at Luton Town.

FOR Dermot Kennedy’s third album, he wanted to explore both the beauty and burden of a successful music career. 

The award-winning Irish singer might headline huge arenas but he has always had his feet firmly on the ground, valuing a normal life, privacy and simple things such as walking in his local woods — the theme of his new record. 

He says: “I feel I’m at a sweet spot, because I can play The O2 in London but I can walk around all day and no one really knows who I am. 

“Having a career in music is a blessing. It’s the most amazing thing, but at the same time, there are certain challenges that come with it. It tests relationships and tests your own resolve, it’s a ­pressure. And I wanted to write about that.” 

The pull of nature as a place to reset became more powerful to the singer as he found success — both his previous collections, Without Fear (2019) and Sonder (2022), topped the album chart. 

“With a career in music, you’re not anonymous, you’re constantly moving from city to city,” he explains. 

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“Being somewhere where you can only see trees in every direction has become more and more important to me, and more powerful. Where I live is quite remote, and that’s the way I want to be.”

This recurring woodland imagery reflects a sense of calm and nostalgia to Kennedy, and the cover of his new album, The Weight Of The Woods, features the singer in a woodland setting. 

As we chat in his central London record label offices, he’s signing a huge pile of his new CDs.  

“It’s a great album cover,” he says smiling. “Even signing these all morning, I’m not sick of looking at it yet.” 

A standout on Kennedy’s new record is the track Sycamore, a gorgeous introspective ode to home and identity. 

“The Irish landscape has always been important to me,” he says. “Where we took the picture for the album still resonates. It’s a big part of how I’m inspired.” 

Working with producer Gabe Simon — who produced Noah Kahan’s 2022 breakthrough album, Stick Season — Kennedy made The Weight Of The Woods in ­Ireland, Nashville and Norway. 

He says: “Sycamore is lush and smooth, which felt different for me. It was the first song we made when Gabe came over — there’s a sycamore tree right in front of my house that’s become a kind of ­talisman in my life. It felt like a lovely way to start. 

“A lot of these songs carry a vulnerability I haven’t shown before, and that felt important, because you can’t pretend you’re 100 per cent all the time. It’s just not true.” 

This shift shows a new confidence, one that allows him to do things his own way. 

“Generally, I’m a quiet person, so on previous albums I wasn’t the loudest in the room whereas with this one, I have the confidence to shout for it and take my time. 

“It’s taken this long to get to a point where I know what I want — what I need and what’s authentic.” 

The Weight Of The Woods reflects a stage in his life where Kennedy feels more secure, more at home and more fully himself. Now married with a baby daughter, his perspective has shifted in ways he struggles to fully articulate. 

“How has fatherhood changed me?” he ponders. “It’s hard to sum up, I can’t explain it in a couple of minutes. 

“It just means the world to me and gives you a completely new perspective on life. 

“It makes you realise there are more important things than chasing goals in music. 

“The best thing I can do now is make music that moves me and try to live in a way that feels like the purest version of who I am. It becomes the centre of everything. 

“Fatherhood has given me more confidence, but also a different kind of fragility, making me more emotionally open. 

“A lot of these songs carry a vulnerability that I haven’t shown in my music before, and that’s important.”  

Musically, Kennedy feels the album has a strong Irishness, though it was not a deliberate concept.  

Honest is a track that feels especially personal, as it directly references where he is from in Ireland. 

He says: The first lyric is about Kilteel [near Rathcoole, Co Dublin] which is an important part of where I’m from. It’s a more personal record so I needed to tell the story of where I’m from.” 

He reflects on the pull of home: “Sometimes when you’re trying to have a career in music, people assume they need to move away and live somewhere else. 

“But in Ireland we have one of the richest musical landscapes in the world, you know? So, it’s nice to be a part of that. 

“And it’s the most Irish-sounding track. I played the bodhran [a traditional Irish frame drum] on it, the drum you hear at the beginning, and there’s also a tin ­whistle. It all came together very naturally so these songs feel dynamic to me and they’re really going to work live.” 

Wasted is a favourite of Kennedy’s on the record. Inspired by US singer and producer Dijon, he says: “It felt like it had that excited, upbeat energy without being pop. It felt real in the room and exciting.” 

Then there’s The Only Time I Prayed, which explores the singer’s relationship with faith. 

“I’ve got songs like Glory, and lyrics about the devil, but I’d consider myself definitely agnostic. I believe in otherworldly things but I’m not a practising Catholic. 

“Still, when things get difficult, people pray — regardless of faith. It comes from desperation, and I find that fascinating. Sometimes I even feel envious of people with a strong faith.” 

Another highlight on the record is Funeral, a stunning track about letting go of the past to move forward. 

“I just wanted that song to be about ditching any difficult stuff I’ve been through,” he says. 

“Songwriters spend an awful lot of time wallowing in the past and I wanted it to feel triumphant — moving forward into something more positive. 

“It felt good and the vocal carries an energy which is always a fun thing on a song.” 

On this third album, Kennedy feels more confident, self-assured and clearer about what is authentic to him. 

He says: “It’s less inhibition and less stress — not poring over every decision. So confidence showed up in quite a carefree, exciting way.” 

It was important to Kennedy that the album was stripped back and imperfect to add to the studio atmosphere. 

“Musically, if you listen closely, there are lots of imperfections, little noises other artists or producers might take out,” he says.  

“You can hear someone talking, a chair creaking. It puts me back in that room, and I don’t want to lose that.” 

That same approach mirrors a wider creative release: “I feel like I’ve let go massively, which is a good thing.” 

That sense of letting go has also reshaped how he defines success. 

“Any pressure that came with the second album was internal, applied by myself,” he says. “I don’t think being competitive puts me in the best place to be the best artist I can be. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t.  

“Tracking streams or records isn’t success to me. With this record, it was just lovely to get back to a place where I really enjoyed making the music, the visual world around it, and playing the songs.  

“Don’t get me wrong, I still want lots of people to hear it, but I feel like I’ve already succeeded with this project.  

“If it reaches a ton of people, that’s fantastic, but I had a beautiful time making it, and that’s everything. 

“When you chase numbers and all that stuff, it’s all quite surface level and not very fulfilling in the end. 

“I don’t think trying too hard is the move. It’s important to work hard and promote things, but being overly try-hard isn’t appealing.  

“It’s better to sit back and let the music do the work. By letting go — stepping back from social media and putting the music first — it feels more likely to set my career up the way I want it.” 

Live performance remains central to Kennedy’s identity. He feels he has built his career the “old-fashioned way” by playing rooms and winning audiences over. 

He says: “Nowadays, there’s so many ways that someone can forge a career. You can blow up on the internet or go viral. For me, it’s never really been like that. 

“It’s been more about getting people into a room. I think I can play in such a way that they might want to come back and see it again next time.” 

“For me, when I dreamed about having a career in music, all I thought about was playing in big, beautiful theatres. So playing live is an important part of what I do.” 

Even as he now fills large venues, Kennedy is keen to preserve a sense of intimacy within those spaces. 

He explains: “We’re going to do it differently. There are lots of ways you can use tech in a live show. You can run tracks for things like horns and production, but then the whole show ends up on track and can feel like elevated karaoke. 

“You can come off stage feeling like you haven’t really achieved much. So, with this tour, we’ve got rid of the click track and any backing tracks. It’s about keeping it real and letting the performance have more freedom. 

“We’re getting rid of any kind of bells and whistles, and it’s just fun. I could start a song at any tempo, I could be feeling a certain way that ends up being a faster version with more energy, or we could pull it right back. 

“You go to a live show for the energy, and I think it’s far easier to tap into that special place if you don’t have that stuff.” 

Kennedy is also more careful about looking after his voice when he tours 

“I try not to do more than two nights in a row, because it compromises the rest of the tour. It means I can walk on stage excited, instead of just hoping I get through it.” 

It’s part of a wider shift in how he approaches performance. “It’s a process as well, working with vocal coaches and stuff. I run a lot more now, because you need that lung capacity. I’m not sure about other ­people’s experience touring, but it feels like a sport sometimes.” 

That mindset has also made him more aware of the level required to sustain a major live career — something he saw first-hand watching ­Taylor Swift live. 

“Well, I saw her at the venue I’m playing this summer, and it was inspiring.” he says. “I saw Travis, her fiancé, talking about her fitness regime and just how she’s operating at a kind of scary level. 

“I find that really inspiring, because it makes you realise this is a very high level of what we do — you have to take it seriously. When someone is that on top of their game, it’s just incredibly motivating.” 

“The show is, what, three hours long? It was wild to see. And honestly, it was just cool to be in Dublin and see people so excited by those songs.  

“What really struck me was that it was just her songs. You realise this is someone who started out just writing songs, and now it’s millions of people all over the world. 

“But it doesn’t feel like some manufactured pop machine. It just feels like someone who writes songs, and that’s what makes it so powerful.” 

• The album The Weight Of The Woods is out on April 3. 

DERMOT KENNEDY 

The Weight of The Woods 

★★★★☆

IT was supposed to be her happy ending, but just months after the death of her beloved father, Kelly Osbourne has been left mourning again.

From the outside, Kelly’s split from fiancé Sid Wilson looked like a cruel twist in increasingly fragile star’s life, but those close to Kelly have now shed some light on her apparently shock decision to end things with the Slipknot keyboard player, telling me what really sparked the break-up.

An insider explained: “After her dad Ozzy died it put everything into perspective, the main thing being, she’s realised how she wants to be treated, and what she deserves.

“Things haven’t been right for a while and she realised she needs to prioritise herself.

“She’s so fragile because of everything that’s gone on with her father and is in need of something more. She didn’t want to pour into cups that don’t pour into hers.”

She’s realised how she wants to be treated, and what she deserves.

Insider

Kelly, who shares three-year-old son Sidney with the rocker, has been spending a lot of time in the UK following Ozzy’s death in July last year, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.

More than ever she became her mum Sharon’s rock as they navigate this incredibly difficult time, but it’s taken its toll on Kelly. 

Her latest appearances have sparked concern not just from her fans but those close to her. 

The once bubbly looking star has drastically shrunk in size, which has led to her being called gaunt and some even saying she ‘looks like a dead body’.

My insider added: “Kelly is of course aware she looks different but has found the trolling really tough.

“Her friends have really rallied around her and are determined to make sure she is ok. Of course everyone is doing what they can to help her be happy and healthy. They are providing the light in all the dark at the moment. The last thing anyone wants is for her to lose any more weight.

“It’s a worrying time for everyone but the fact that Kelly has taken the step to end her engagement suggests she is ready to move on and start really living again.”

Concerns were raised following her appearance at the Brit Awards with mum Sharon, as dad Ozzy was honoured posthumously.

The trolls were particularly vicious, and Kelly hit back to “defend herself”,. In a  message to her 4.4 million followers she wrote: “There is a special kind of cruelty in harming someone who is clearly going through something.

“Kicking me while I’m down, doubting my pain, spreading my struggles as gossip, and turning your back when I need support and love most.

‘Hardest time’

“None of it proves strength; it only reveals a profound absence of compassion and character.

“I’m currently going through the hardest time in my life. I should not even have to defend myself. But I won’t sit here and allow myself to be dehumanised in such a way.”

Kelly and Sid first met in 1999 at Ozzfest, a music festival founded by her parents.

They were friends for over two decades before their relationship turned romantic at the end of 2021. It seemed like the perfect match.

On Valentine’s Day in 2022, Kelly gushed: “After 23 years of friendship, I can’t believe where we have ended up. You are my best friend, my soulmate, and I am so deeply in love with you, Sidney George Wilson.”

They welcomed their son Sid in January, 2023 and being a mother changed everything for Kelly.

But cracks started to show between the pair and Kelly later recalled they had the “biggest fight” shortly after Sid was born.

I can never ever forgive him for that.

Kelly on her biggest row with Sid

She said on The Osbournes podcast: “I wanted our son to have both of our last names, and [Sid] wouldn’t let me, and we had a huge fight.”

“I feel that I was forced into doing something that I didn’t want to do. I can never ever forgive him for that, but we can move on.” 

They started to have couple’s therapy – there were some  “eye opening conversations” and eventually they agreed to change their son’s last name to feature both Osborne and Wilson.

Kelly explained: “We both made our child so he should have both of our last names. Not one is more important than the other.”

Meanwhile Ozzy was becoming increasingly unwell. He returned to the UK to perform for one more time and live out his final days at his beloved family home – a Grade-II listed Georgian mansion in Buckinghamshire.

Kelly, her brother Jack and older sister Amy spent most of their childhood in the UK, where they attended several private schools before moving to LA and starring in their hit reality show The Osbournes.

It was at Ozzy’s last ever Black Sabbath gig at Villa Park in July of last year that Sid proposed – with her whole family around her. 

Sid pulled out all the stops and proposed to Kelly with a bespoke custom-designed ring from Los Angeles based jewellers, Mouawad.

He designed the ring with the team through various one-on-one meetings in order to ensure it was right for Kelly.

Sid chose to curate a dazzling 18K yellow gold ring adorned with both white and yellow diamonds, as well as citrine accents.

The centrepiece is a stunning 2.5 carat round brilliant-cut diamond with the ring being nicknamed the Honeybee – Kelly’s personal nickname.

It couldn’t be missed on Kelly’s tiny hands but in recent weeks, the bling was absent as she came to terms with her decision.

Kelly, who is currently still in the UK, is said to still be on speaking terms with Sid – who is based in the US and is determined to co-parent their son as best as possible. 

Moving on?

For the time being anyway she plans to stay by her mum’s side, and with Sid not yet starting school, there’s no immediate decision needed about where to live.

Sharon is said to still be undecided about whether she’ll remain in the UK – although Ozzy is buried in the grounds of the family home. 

We previously told how Sharon is currently playing to split her time evenly between her historic UK home, Welders, and a new apartment in Los Angeles, spending “half the year at least” on the sun-drenched West Coast. 

If Kelly and young Sid join her or set up home for good in the UK, is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure though, Kelly has found her voice and she won’t let decisions be made on her behalf. 

AN ICONIC noughties star looked unrecognisable to many as he took to the stage during this weekend’s Estero Picnic Festival in Columbia.

Over two decades since his initial rise to fame, the now 52-year-old musician looks a far cry from the twenty-something many fans remember.

Do you recognise him?

The singer in question in Travis frontman Fran Healy!

Known for hits such as Why Does It Always Rain On Me? and Sing, Travis dominated the music scene in the late nineties and early noughties.

Lead singer Fran has swapped the bright red hair he rocked a few years ago for a bleached look, donning a sky blue jumper as he joined numerous stars in fronting the Columbian festival this weekend.

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Alongside his Travis bandmates, Dougie Payne, Andy Dunlop and Neil Primrose, Fran took to the festival’s Smirnoff stage to perform to the waiting crowds on Sunday.

The three-day festival also saw Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler The Creator, Swedish House Mafia and The Killers perform.

Alongside their own set on Sunday, Travis joined The Killers on stage to perform with them on Saturday.

Born in Stafford, Fran was raised in Glasgow and formed Travis back in 1991 while studying at the Glasgow School of Art.

Still going strong, the band are performing across Chile this month and next, with gigs in Viña del Mar, Frutillar and Santiago.

While the band have taken breaks throughout their lengthy career, they are famous for having never split up.

Their tenth studio album, L.A Times, was released in 2024.

Fran was in a relationship with German photographer Nora Kryst for 23 years before splitting back in 2019.

They share a 20-year-old son named Clay.

Last year, during one of Travis’ US gigs, Fran was rushed off stage and to the hospital after twisting his ankle on stage.

At the time, Fran took to Instagram to explain that he was wheeled out on a gurney and put into an ambulance.

Admitting that he thought he’d broken his ankle, the musician confirmed it was simply a “gnarly sprain”.

ALFIE Boe – one of the nation’s favourite tenors – will be unleashing his inner rock god on new album Face Myself.

The record, out on April 10, is inspired by his love of the Madchester era and was produced by Myriot, who previously worked with Primal Scream.

In an exclusive chat, Alfie revealed the album’s title track pays tribute to late Stone Roses bass player Gary “Mani” Mounfield.

The classical singer said he spent his weekends travelling up to Manchester as a teenager to immerse himself in the music scene, where the Stone Roses launched hits such as I Wanna Be Adored. Alfie said: “At the time I was writing that song, Mani passed away.

“So I had to put a tribute in the song. I changed the lyrics to say, ‘For good old Mani, he played it right’.”

The high-energy track, which is released today, also name checks Liam and Noel Gallagher’s childhood home on Cranwell Drive and celebrates the Madchester spirit.

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On the track he sings: “Dreams are grown in Burnage sky, a golden past that made us cry.

“The prom is glorified with lights, for good old Mani, he played it right. Those Cranwell boys, they sang along.”

As a teen, Alfie, who has clocked up 12 Top Ten albums including four No1s, joined an indie band and later found himself exploring classical music.

“I was in an indie band called The English Roses,” Alfie said with a laugh. We were going to go on tour and I was going to be the drummer. But there was school to attend, which was fine, but then I joined lots of other little bands.”

Alfie’s new album is made up of mostly original material and he was inspired to start writing by his pal, The Who’s Pete Townshend.

And the Les Miserables stage fave says the record is all about facing his past, adding: “I thought, what is it about me I have to face?

“It was my childhood, my teenage years, and what got me to where I am today. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Dua’s full of beans

Dua Lipa has a hefty cheque coming her way, plus a lifetime’s supply of coffee I imagine.

She’s signed up to be global ambassador for Nespresso and posed in blue co-ords to promote the new tie-in. Dua also had a snap with George Clooney, long-time face of the brand.

Greg heading to £2m…but pleads for Wills’ help again

Greg James continues his mammoth 1,000km cycle ride for Comic Relief after getting the royal seal of approval from Prince William.

He was given a boost on Tuesday, when the Prince of Wales hopped on the back of the Radio 1 DJ’s tandem.

As I caught up with Greg yesterday from the Yorkshire Moors, he said he wished William had stuck around.

Greg, resting up on a wall, below, said with a laugh: “I could’ve done with his legs today. Wills, if you’re reading this, help.”

He has remained incredibly upbeat despite the physical and mental toll the challenge is taking.

And he has been buoyed by the incredible donations from the public, which last night was creeping towards the £2million mark. Greg, who set off from Dorset last Friday and is pedalling all the way to Edinburgh, said: “The hills are very, very difficult today.

“But there was a really nice crowd of people shouting at me at the top.

“The good news is we’ve raised over £1.5million, which is an absurd amount. I’d be happy with that if it was the final total but we’ve got three days left.”

He starts his ride from Sunderland this morning with two full days to go.

Tomorrow he will begin his final push, cycling from Galashiels in the Borders to Edinburgh, where he is set to arrive in time for Comic Relief to start on BBC One at 7pm. You can do this, Greg!

Go to comicrelief.com/ride to make a donation.

Placebo are making a comeback for the 30th anniversary of their debut album, which they have reworked into a new version.

Placebo re:created will be out on June 19.

They will then kick off a European tour this September playing songs from their first two albums, with dates in Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, London and Cardiff in November and December.

Big cat in Africa

Doja Cat showed her wild side in clashing animal prints while on stage in Rwanda.

The Say So rapper, who wore a blue wig with a tiger-striped bodysuit, was performing at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika concert.

She sounded great, despite her carefree lifestyle.

In a new interview with Vogue yesterday, Doja admitted she’s had to curb bad habits for the sake of her live shows.

She said: “I love trash – I’m Oscar the Grouch. I love to eat garbage, and I love to drink, and I love to party.

“Not too hard, obviously. I don’t do any drugs.”

Doja, who had a romance with actor Joseph Quinn in 2024, went on to reveal she is a serial dater, adding: “I’m 30, so I’m ovulating and horny.”

At least she tells it how it is.

Mosh-pit memories with trust

The Teenage Cancer Trust is staging a photo exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the joys of mosh pits.

Musicians including Yungblud, Wolf Alice, Fontaines DC and The Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter are featured in the show, called Good Energy.

It highlights “good energy”, which is the code used by fans to look after each other in the crowd. Frank said of his pic: “It was taken in the Royal Albert Hall.

“To play there with the Sex Pistols was a dream come true. Seeing a mosh pit inside such a venue felt like the definition of Good Punk Energy.

The exhibition runs until April 9. Buy signed copies of the prints at teenagecancer trust.org/good.

One direction’s Louis Tomlinson confessed the band’s debut No1 single, What Makes You Beautiful, was his least favourite track. He told Scott Mills’s Radio 2 show: “Performing it was always really eggy.”

Louis also took aim at the handling of 1D’s split, adding: “Hiatus, what a horrible word. It’s cringey, screams management.”

Princess is really made up

Harper Beckham has competition from another nepo baby when it comes to her upcoming beauty brand – Katie Price and Peter Andre’s daughter Princess.

The Sun told last week that Harper had taken part in a photoshoot for beauty brand Hiku by Harper, which is expected to launch in the coming months. Now Princess is following suit.

She said on the Not My Bagg podcast: “I’ve been working on it for ages. I was in Liverpool three days ago.

“I went up for a photoshoot for my beauty brand, which is so good. It’s being released this year.

I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to be involved in some sort of business. Make-up, I love, so it had to be that.”

METALLICA’S James Hetfield is engaged to his stunning girlfriend Adriana Gillett, four years after his divorce from his wife of 25 years.

The musician, 62, proposed to his other half underwater while swimming with sharks in an elaborate proposal.

She took to her Instagram to share the exciting news along with some pretty cool pictures.

In the snap, both can be seen wearing snorkelling gear in the water as James holds up a sign that reads: “Adriana Gillett will you marry me?”

A second picture shows a huge fish as they get up close to the sea creatures during their expedition.

Adriana captioned it: “The BEST birthday trip surprise. Swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th with the most unique, special and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine.

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“In a sea full of fish, we caught each other. Thank you God for putting us together.”

Fans rushed to the comments section to send the couple their well-wishes as they enter this amazing new chapter.

One person gushed: “This ROCKS and makes me so happy!! Congratulations Addy & James!!”

Another enthused: “YES!!!! Fantastic!!! It’s been incredible to see the beautiful journey you both have been on and continue to travel. Much love and congratulations to you both!!!”

Somebody else commented: “Congratulations to the two of you! We are so happy for you.”

Yet another said: “Congratulations! No surprise, you two are one in a million.”

While a fifth follower added: “What a whale of a tale this is!!! Congratulations you two!!!”

The couple began dating in 2023 following his divorce from Francesca Tomasi the previous year.

The pair had been married since 1997 and have three children together – Cali, Castor and Marcella.

They filed for divorce in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences.

The guitarist has been open about his battles with addiction over the years and was forced to enter rehab in 2019.

This led to Metallica having to postpone their tour dates in Australia and New Zealand.

Sharing a statement on social media at the time, the band penned: “We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.

“As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years.

“He has no, unfortunately had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again

“We are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who travel great distances to experience our shows.”

The iconic heavy metal band was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by James and drummer Lars Ulrich.

The current lineup is comprised of the founding members along with longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.

They’ve released 11 albums over the last four decades and are one of the most commercially successful bands’ of all time.

A BELOVED Australian musician has died at 65.

Eurogliders founder Bernie Lynch died after battling with throat cancer.

His death was announced this morning by fellow band member Grace Knight, who gave an emotional tribute.

Brit-born Grace wrote: “It’s with the heaviest heart I’m posting this to let everyone know that Bernie passed away last Thursday evening in palliative care in Perth.

“Some of you will be aware that Bernie was diagnosed with throat cancer in early 2024 and underwent treatment.

“I am heartbroken and don’t know how to proceed without him.”

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Grace and Bernie wed after a long relationship in the 80s.

Although they separated after just a year of marriage, the pair maintained their friendship and musical collaboration for four decades.

She added: “I can’t imagine what our lives would have looked like had we not crossed paths with each other.”

Perth musician Bernie was the guitarist, singer and songwriter behind the legendary 80s band Eurogliders.

The group were best known for hit songs Heaven (Must Be There) and We Will Together.

Heaven climbed to the heights of number two on the Australian charts in 1984 and claimed a trophy for Best Single at the Countdown Music Awards.

Bernie had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2024 and briefly returned to the stage after successful treatment.

But the disease was found to have spread to his bones and organs and he begun to deteriorate.

The singer took to the stage for his last gig with Eurogliders in November in Sydney.

Tributes from fans flooded in, with one calling Bernie “an artistic genius”.

Another wrote that “Bernie’s prodigious song writing talent will be his everlasting legacy”.

They added: “I was thinking of you guys listening to my favourite playlist (incl No Action and Another Day) this morning.

“This news saddens me. RIP Bernie.”

One distraught fan said: “Rip Bernie and condolences to you Grace and Euroglider families.

“Grew up with your music and still listen to it today.”