James Blunt celebrates the 20th anniversary of his biggest hit that he calls ‘a bit creepy'
The British singer recently shared a video and post on social media in which reflected on his hit earworm.
'20 years ago today, I released a song that bought me this house,' Blunt said. 'Whoever thought a song about being high as a kite on drugs, stalking someone else's girlfriend would resonate quite so much? Thank you. You guys are beautiful.'
The song off his 2004 debut album, 'Back to Bedlam,' became a worldwide hit in 2005.
In 2020, the former British army captain wrote an essay for the Guardian about 'You're Beautiful' and talked about the inspiration for the tune.
'One day I was on the underground in London and saw an ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend,' he wrote. 'Our eyes met, but we just walked past each other, and I went home and wrote the words to 'You're Beautiful' in two minutes.'
He also addressed the disconnect between how the song came to be and how fans viewed it.
'It's always been portrayed as romantic, but it's actually a bit creepy,' he wrote. 'It's about a guy (me) who's high and stalking someone else's girlfriend on the subway. But everyone has those moments where you wonder: 'What if I'd said something?''
How beautiful is that?
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Yahoo
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Harry Potter 'Back to Hogwarts' 2025 Celebrations Revealed
Global events, 20th anniversary screenings, and digital surprises await… LONDON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wizards, witches and Muggles - wands at the ready! The countdown to Back to Hogwarts has begun, and this year's festivities are set to be more magical than ever! Every 1st September, Harry Potter fans mark the iconic return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, nearly almost a quarter of a century since the first film enchanted audiences, this beloved tradition has grown into an annual global celebration of all things Harry Potter. 20 Years of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Celebrate two decades of Triwizard Tournament thrills with special Back to Hogwarts screenings of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in cinemas worldwide. In the United States, fans can relive the epic adventure on the big screen for a limited time through the Back to Hogwarts official ticketing partner – – and have a chance to get their hands on magical Harry Potter giveaways as part of the celebrations. Theatres in Canada, EMEA and International Territories will all be joining in the fun – check local listings and for details. Magic Meets Snapchat Introducing four brand new 3D Harry Potter Bitmoji Lenses with Friends! From mid-Aug in honour of Back to Hogwarts, Snap users globally will be able to see their Snapchat Bitmoji (decked out in the latest Back to Hogwarts themed fashion drop, naturally) take a trip into the wizarding world! Watch as your Bitmoji interacts with your friends' Bitmojis in four different iconic Harry Potter scenes – Hogwarts Letters at the Dursleys', Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Putting names into the Goblet of Fire, and the Wizard Chess scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Global Fan Festivities Back to Hogwarts celebrations are happening everywhere and this year's revelries are sure to make memories worthy of Dumbledore's Pensieve! Look out for celebratory Back to Hogwarts themed moments at Harry Potter destinations around the world – including park lands at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Warner Bros. Studio Tours, and various Harry Potter travelling experience locations globally. So, whether you're in London, Paris, Tokyo or joining in online, there's something spellbinding for everyone… United Kingdom Fans can attend a free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at London's iconic Cineworld Leicester Square on 31st Aug. Before the film, ticket holders will enjoy a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), hosted by TV and radio presenter, Yinka Bokinni, plus enjoy fun in the foyer with photo ops – including The Great Hall from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter. 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The LEGO Group and Haribo displays, and more surprises will be announced during the summer. For fans unable to make it on the day, the fun will be hosted online from 30th Aug until 7th Sept. Details are soon to be released on how fans can join online, via the French HP and Warner FR social channels. Germany Hamburg, 29 Aug, 30th Aug & 1 Sept: Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier will play host to a spectacular three-day Back to Hogwarts event, offering fans of all ages specially themed interactive activities and magical give-aways from partners including Thalia, The LEGO Group, Haribo and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Nationwide, mid Aug until mid Sept: Stop by Thalia this summer, where 10 stores across Germany will be celebrating Back to Hogwarts. Visitors can enjoy fun photo opportunities, themed activities, prize-draws and special Harry Potter displays before shopping an exclusive themed range and discovering magical 'back to school' promotions. More details here 29th Aug & 5th Sept: Wizards and witches also have the opportunity to attend one of four special Back to Hogwarts themed sleepover events held at Thalia stores in Dusseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig and Hamburg. Lucky attendees can look forward to magical activities and take home an exclusive goody bag. Check out for details on how to apply for free tickets. Hamburg, 31st Aug: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will host a special Back to Hogwarts Show to celebrate the start of a new school year. Full details here: Italy Milan, 1st Sept: Fans can register to join a spectacular free Back to Hogwarts event, held at Teatro Nazionale. The beautiful space will be entirely themed and transformed into a magical venue for the celebrations. Look forward to an 11'o'clock countdown, interactive games, quizzes, special performances, plus surprise guests! To learn more and register, visit Spain Madrid, 31st Aug & 1st Sept: Fans are invited to a special two-day event at a stunning yet-to-be-revealed location. Get ready for plenty of magical fun, including Back to Hogwarts and Harry Potter themed photo opportunities, an interactive 11 o'clock countdown, and much more. Further details will be announced soon. Japan Tokyo, 29th Aug – 31st Aug: Baseball fans attending Saitama Seibu Lions games can look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts collaboration with Harry Potter x Lions. Fans can get their hands on bespoke products and visitors on the 29th will also be able to watch as a cast member from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child makes the ceremonial pitch! China Shanghai: 7th Aug – 10th Aug: In honour of Back to Hogwarts season, fans will be able to enjoy both Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert. Hangzhou: 30th Aug – 1st Sept: Look forward to a special Back to Hogwarts celebration in Hangzhou's West Lake District. Expect celebratory photo opportunities, a first glimpse at brand new products and a host of magical fun. Find out more by visiting the official Harry Potter Chinese social channel. Singapore Visitors to Harry Potter: Visions of Magic with a valid ticket, arriving dressed in their favourite house attire have the chance to win complimentary gifts with other surprises on site. Australia Fans in Melbourne, Australia can take advantage of a special ticket offer available on 1st Sept at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Online Don't miss the Back to Hogwarts Showcase at 10:40 BST / 05:40 ET, which will be available on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Expect news, updates and announcements for the year ahead. There are more Back to Hogwarts activities and events yet to be announced, visit to stay up to date, get Sorted into your Hogwarts house, and join the Harry Potter Fan Club. 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Yahoo
5 minutes ago
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Alice Cooper says Ozzy Osbourne was ‘unmatched showman and cultural icon'
Rockstar Alice Cooper has described Ozzy Osbourne as an 'unmatched showman and cultural icon' following news of the death of the Black Sabbath frontman at the age of 76. Cooper, 77, whose real name is Vincent Damon Furnier, paid tribute to the heavy metal singer, joining the likes of Sir Elton John, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and other famous faces, after his death was announced on Tuesday evening. Posting on Instagram, following a performance in Cardiff dedicated to the late singer, Cooper said: 'The whole world is mourning Ozzy tonight. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alice Cooper (@alicecooper) 'Over his long career, he earned immense respect among his peers and from fans around the world as an unmatched showman and cultural icon. 'I always saw Ozzy as a cross between the prince of darkness, which is the persona his fans saw, and the court jester. That was the side that his family and friends saw. 'He was and will continue to be a rock and roll legend. Rock and Roll is a family and a fraternity. When we lose one of our own, it bleeds. I wish I would have gotten to know my brother Ozzy better. 'A titanic boulder has crashed, but rock will roll on.' Sir Elton John remembered Osbourne as a 'huge trailblazer' who 'secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods'. Writing on Instagram, Sir Elton said: 'He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love. Elton xx.' I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne 💔🙏 What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham🙏☀️❤️🎤 — Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) July 22, 2025 The Rolling Stones' Wood also paid tribute after joining Osbourne at Black Sabbath's last gig at Villa Park, Birmingham, earlier this month. He posted on X: 'I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. 'What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham.' Singer Yungblud, who sang Black Sabbath's Changes at the Back To The Beginning farewell concert on July 5, said he was 'heartbroken' by the news and called Osbourne 'the greatest of all time'. 'I didn't think you would leave so soon, the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room,' he wrote in a social media post. Rock band Motorhead said they had lost a 'dear friend' in a post that recalled the band's late vocalist Lemmy's friendship with Osbourne. The message read: 'We lost our dear friend today. Ozzy was a pioneer, a guiding force for all in hard rock and metal, and a great guy too. 'Lemmy and Ozzy were brothers in arms who enjoyed many adventures together, and his loss is seismic. RIP Ozzy, we will always love and celebrate you… ' AC/DC posted that Osbourne's death was a 'great loss to all that loved him', with Metallica members calling him an 'icon' and 'mentor' while sharing images from photographers Ross Halfin and Noah Abrams. 'He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant,' they wrote on Instagram. Among the other stars paying tribute were former footballer Sir David Beckham, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Van Halen's Sammy Hagar, Jon Bon Jovi, singer Donny Osmond, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May and US movie star Adam Sandler, who said he felt 'so happy' that he was able to meet Osbourne. Foo Fighters said in a social media post: 'Rock and Roll would not be as loud or as fun' without Osbourne, while Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant wrote he had 'truly changed the planet of rock'. Kiss bassist Gene Simmons told NBC News that behind the outgoing stage persona was a 'loving father' and 'dedicated husband'. 'There was never an Ozzy before Ozzy,' he said. Sir Brian said Osbourne's final concert earlier in the month 'was a glorious way to say goodbye' to the heavy metal vocalist who died on July 22 at the age of 76. Actor Jason Momoa shared a photo of himself alongside Osbourne and his wife Sharon to Instagram, writing: 'Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful.' Aston Villa, Osbourne's home-town football club, said it was 'saddened' to learn of the star's passing. 'Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from,' the club said. An honour to have celebrated the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks ago. Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy's own words: Birmingham forever. — Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 22, 2025 'The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends, and countless fans at this extremely difficult time.' Justice Secretary and Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood said she was among those who celebrated Osbourne's life and legacy just over two weeks ago. She wrote on X: 'Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. 'My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy's own words: Birmingham forever.'
Fox News
8 minutes ago
- Fox News
Ozzy Osbourne's message to fans caps decades-long legacy: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart'
Ozzy Osbourne, who was born John Michael Osbourne on Dec. 3, 1948, and later earned the nickname "The Prince of Darkness" from his shadowy heavy metal persona, died Tuesday, July 22, after battling a number of health issues over the years. He was 76. The Black Sabbath frontman was known as much for his indelible mark on the music industry as he was for his larger-than-life personality, be it on stage or in front of a camera while filming the massively successful reality show, "The Osbournes." Two weeks before his death, Ozzy reunited with Black Sabbath to perform at a star-studded farewell show in England, an appropriately dark and electric send-off for one of rock's greatest legends. During his final show July 5 at Villa Park, Osbourne expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support as the band, including Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler and Bill Ward, performed together for the first time in 20 years. The 10-hour show was hosted by Jason Momoa and featured performances from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Jack Black, Steven Tyler and others. At one point during the show, which was livestreamed in the U.K., legendary drummers, including Tool's Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Blink-182's Travis Barker, battled with their drumsticks while playing a cover of Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe." For the closing set, the legendary rock star was lifted to the stage while sitting on a black throne accompanied by skulls and topped with a black bat. He sang hits like "Crazy Train" and "Mama I'm Coming Home" while remaining seated during the entire set. "You have no idea how I feel," Osbourne told the crowd. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Born in Aston, West Midlands, U.K., Ozzy was drawn to the theater as a child, but he ultimately turned to music after listening to one particular song from The Beatles. "When I heard 'She Loves You,' my world went up like a shooting star," Osbourne once told Esquire. "It was a divine experience. The planets changed. I used to fantasize that Paul McCartney would marry my sister." WATCH: Ozzy Osbourne during his final performance with Black Sabbath After leaving school as a teenager, Osbourne spent six weeks in prison after being convicted of robbing a clothing store. It was in 1967 he was recruited by Geezer Butler to be a vocalist in a band the would become Black Sabbath. Their sinister sound helped pave the way for heavy metal music, with their first three albums — "Black Sabbath," "Paranoid" and "Master of Reality" — credited as pioneering albums in the industry. After gaining commercial success, releasing three more albums and touring for a handful of years, Ozzy threw in the towel in 1978 to pursue a solo endeavor, "Blizzard of Ozz." He rejoined the group, only to be ejected by Black Sabbath three months later, and was replaced by Ronnie James Dio. Ozzy had already been in the throes of substance abuse and addiction like the other band members, he claimed in his book, "I Am Ozzy." "We knew we didn't really have a choice but to sack him because he was just so out of control. But we were all very down about the situation," Butler wrote in his memoir, "Into The Void." In 1982, one year after signing his first solo record deal, Ozzy bit the head off a bat while performing at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Iowa. Osbourne later claimed the bat bit him, and he was treated for rabies. Now a star in his own right, Ozzy married his manager, Sharon Arden, July 4, 1982, and continued his ascent to rock stardom. The power couple later formed Ozzfest in the '90s, the first heavy metal-focused festival that grossed more than $100 million. The "Iron Man" singer was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003. However, he didn't speak publicly about his diagnosis until 2020. He admitted that he couldn't walk anymore during a Jan. 29 episode of his Sirius XM show, "Ozzy Speaks." "I may be moaning about how I can't walk, but I look down the road and there's people that didn't do half as much as me, and they didn't make it," he said at the time. The "Dreamer" vocalist struggled with a number of physical ailments over the years. In 2003, he almost died in an ATV accident when his quad flipped onto him while he was riding around his London estate. In 2022, the "Mama I'm Coming Home" singer underwent surgery to remove and realign pins in his neck and back. Ozzy's back problems likely stemmed from the all-terrain vehicle collision. At the time, he had emergency surgery for "a broken collarbone (and) eight fractured ribs that were pinching crucial blood vessels and damaged vertebrae in his neck." "I'm just waiting on some more surgery on my neck," he told Classic Rock magazine in May 2022. "I can't walk properly these days. I have physical therapy every morning. I am somewhat better, but nowhere near as much as I want to be to go back on the road." When asked if he ever thought about his own mortality, Ozzy said he felt optimistic about his future as he looked back on the past. "At f---ing 73, I've done pretty well," he said. "I don't plan on going anywhere, but my time's going to come." Years after his success as a heavy metal rock star, the Osbourne family became a household name in the early 2000s when MTV took fans inside their lives as famous stars — and the children of rock royalty — with an unscripted show about the family. The series premiered in 2002 and ran for four seasons, with a final curtain call in 2005. The Grammy Award winner was candid about his drug and alcohol issues, and, upon releasing "Black Rain" in 2007, his first album in nearly six years, reflected on the importance of the catalog. "I thought I'd never write again without any stimulation. ... But you know what? Instead of picking up the bottle, I just got honest and said, 'I don't want life to go [to pieces],'" he told Billboard magazine. The band reunited and played in May 2012, their first concert since 2005. The following year, they embarked on a world tour, which ended in June 2014 in London's Hyde Park. Their 20th studio album and final tour was slated for 2016, but by the beginning of March 2017, Black Sabbath disbanded, and Osbourne later said he had no interest in a reunion. "Not for me. It's done," Osbourne told Ultimate Classic Rock. "The only thing I do regret is not doing the last farewell show in Birmingham with Bill Ward. I felt really bad about that. It would have been so nice. I don't know what the circumstances behind it were, but it would have been nice. I've talked to Tony a few times, but I don't have any of the slightest interest in doing another gig. Maybe Tony's getting bored now." Years before his death, Osbourne reflected on the lasting legacy he wished to leave on the world as his Parkinson's disease progressed. "Survival is my legacy," he told People magazine. "I mean, I'm 73. People go, 'Well, you're 70 … why don't I throw the towel in?' Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I? It motivates me to get off my backside and do something. I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable." After his death, the Osbournes released a statement to Fox News Digital. "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy at this time." Osbourne is survived by wife Sharon, daughters Kelly and Aimee and son Jack, in addition to daughter Jessica, and sons Elliot and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.
