Latest news with #AndyBell
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Rachel Reeves should allow people to choose how they invest and save but simplify the Isa system, says AJ Bell founder
Andy Bell is the founder and former chief executive of AJ Bell. The Chancellor will stride into Mansion House this evening with the admirable intention of saving the UK stock market. Let's hope she turns up wielding carrots and not sticks. Because when it comes to influencing the behaviour of investors, it's about offering incentives, removing barriers and trusting people to do something sensible with their money. Not banging them over the head Punch and Judy style. Lazy thinking suggests it is overregulation that is killing our stock market. That is wrong. The problem is demand-side. Investors just don't fancy UK equities anymore. They'd rather sit in cash or chase the S&P than punt on a lacklustre UK fund limping along in the slow lane. Now, I get it - carrots cost money. But here's a mad idea: speculate to accumulate. A short term hit to the tax take can return higher tax revenues in the long run. Scrap stamp duty on UK shares Scrapping stamp duty on UK shares is one option. Attracting more money to the UK stock market will help drive up the price of UK shares which in turn will lead to greater capital gains tax receipts. Also, designing the tax system is not just about raising money, but influencing and aligning behaviours. Why tax an investment in AstraZeneca more than Apple? Or Marks & Spencer more than Microsoft? Give UK plc a boost by ending the tax penalty on investing in UK shares. If the Chancellor is feeling really brave, she could go the whole hog and exempt UK shares (and funds that invest in UK shares) from inheritance tax and watch the money flood back into the UK market. Farmers may have something to say about a reduction to inheritance tax but as the old adage goes, If I was trying to get there, I wouldn't be starting from here. Simplify Isas Here's another idea. Simplify the Isa system. We've been banging the same drum for years now. The Isa is a great brand, built on trust. But governments can't resist tinkering. New policy idea; new Isa. Junior Isa. Lifetime Isa. Help-to-buy Isa. Innovative Finance Isa. Under the last government we almost ended up with a fundamentally flawed 'Great British' ISA. As if slapping a Union Jack on complexity somehow makes it patriotic. Retail investors are huge supporters of UK companies. So government is rightly looking at the plus-£300billion quietly floundering in cash Isas and asking: can that put some life back into UK plc? Objections from this paper and others like AJ Bell seem to have persuaded the chancellor to press pause on plans to cut the cash Isa allowance, at least for now. Cutting the cash Isa allowance would have worked as about as well as selling sun loungers in Manchester. Savers wouldn't have shifted behaviour. They would have kept their existing Isa cash where it was and hoarded new cash elsewhere. Cue another complex layer of rules to prevent money being smuggled into cash Isas via stocks and shares Isas. Hopefully this idea will stay in the 'mad idea' graveyard alongside the GB Isa. As for this bizarre idea of mandating UK investment allocations within Isas - good luck. Policing that would require the kind of state surveillance last seen in East Germany. And anyway, UK investors already show a strong home bias. On AJ Bell's platform, half of Isa assets are in UK shares. Give us a quid, we'll put 50p in Blighty. Rachel Reeves must go back to the drawing board on a plan to inspire the cash saving faithful to give UK plc a go. Let's at least take a tentative step down Isa simplification boulevard: by merging cash Isas and stocks & shares Isas into one. Friction between the world of saving and investing is a major barrier. Instead, let's have one tax-advantaged savings vehicle called, you guessed it, an Isa and leave people to choose how they want to save or invest. We're asking savers who want to be investors to navigate the bureaucratic equivalent of a hedge maze blindfolded, as they transfer from their cash Isa to a stocks and shares Isa. Wading through treacle in a woollen onesie is the easy option. Ditch the duct tape and deliver something bold, simple and effective. Because if this government insists on using sticks instead of carrots, the only thing they'll be beating is a dead market.
Metro
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Erasure's Andy Bell on kissing Boy George on stage
'I just said to him really quickly, kiss me, and he did!' Andy Bell, best known as an iconic figure of the LGBTQ+ scene in the 80s and one-half of Erasure, has just released his latest solo album Ten Crowns and is set to perform at Brighton Pride in August. At 61 years old, the artist has been in the music industry for decades and carved an important path as one of the few openly gay music artists in the industry in the 80s. In a powerful moment during the Brit Awards in February 1989, Andy was presented with an award on stage by Boy George and took this opportunity to kiss him on the lips. 'It was funny because I'm not sure how much kissing I'd seen – I love doing it, I love being out, and I love kissing on people and with my partner and stuff – But yeah, because we weren't really exposed to it very much. 'I just remember, when George came on the stage, I was really pleased that it was him. Just as he passed me the award, I just said to him really quickly, 'kiss me', and he did, and it just happened like that. 'So it was, I think, probably one of the only moments ever where I've done something on purpose,' he said. He explained that the interaction wasn't a pre-discussed or planned moment, but something he thought would be a bold move in the moment. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! 'Because we never ever planned press stunts or anything like that at all.' He said, adding: 'It was a kind of blink and you miss it moment.' The smooch took place the same year that the first on-screen kiss aired to the British public in an episode of EastEnders between characters Colin Russell and his partner Barry Clark. As one of the few openly gay pop stars in the 80s, Andy once told The Guardian that he felt the need to be 'outrageous' at the time, which meant outrageous outfits and outrageous comments, which he said was a 'defence mechanism'. 'I just started developing this character, you know, out of necessity, really, to this larger than life person, just to deal with hecklers and stuff like that. 'I learned most of my stuff from drag queens, you know, from going and seeing drag queens in the pubs and so, yeah, this character is built over the years.' He said that he made his character a 'screamer' and it meant he didn't have to announce his sexuality in every interview. 'In the beginning, especially playing in North America and places you kind of it gets boring saying you're gay all the time, all the time, you know, in an interview. 'So I just thought I'd, I'd make, I'd have this character on stage. It was like a screamer, just so there were no questions asked. 'I know that it's a bit of a cliche now when I look back, but I just didn't want there to be any compromises or anything. 'For me, it felt like, almost like it was a defence mechanism, but like a shield almost,' he said. Andy's new album features a track titled Heart's A Liar with Blondie star Debbie Harry. 'I just feel like that. I feel like I've not struck gold, but kind of been blessed by music royalty,' he said of working with the iconic singer. 'To me, that's better than anybody in the whole of the music industry. You know, she's the top dog, she really is.' He added that in the music industry, relationships are often transactional and somewhat fake, which wasn't the case with Debbie. 'I know they've had really tough times as well, Blondie. So has Erasure, people all have time in the wilderness, and I think just for someone to reach your hand and say, 'Oh, come on, you know, I'll help you.' That's basically what it is. 'You just don't get that either in the music industry. It's all these back-handed compliments and handshakes, and everything's for commercial gain. Nothing is sincere anymore.' Andy has worked alongside his Erasure other half, Vince Clarke, for decades, taking time to do his own solo work, but always coming together to create music as Erasure. 'When we meet, it's kind of like, it is like, like an ex-lover, and you're meeting up again,' he says, revealing that he's only managed to see him twice this year. 'You're kind of defining your roles, or coming back together, and because it's very raw when you're writing together – I mean, I feel almost sorry for people that have been couples like Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. You know how that must be really tough when you're a real couple. 'But just because we haven't slept with each other doesn't mean that you don't have intimate moments.' He explains that when they get back together, after a little initial awkwardness, they are back into the swing. 'Once you've established that trust, it's there forever,' he says. The singer is set to perform at Brighton Pride in August and emphasised that celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is just as important today as it has always been. More Trending 'As long as we're a target, as long as we're in a position where all of a sudden you're being scapegoated by whichever political party, then we're obviously not safe. 'Until everything is just as it should be, normalised and we're all treated the same and we're all treated fairly, we're still working towards something.' Andy Bell's album Ten Crowns is out now, and he is set to perform at Brighton Pride supported by Hayu, on August 3 . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I attended the UK's biggest true crime convention — it wasn't what I expected MORE: 'I was the only out lesbian MP for 13 years – here's how Parliament has changed' MORE: I told my date my sexual preferences and was immediately ghosted
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Liam Gallagher breaks silence on Oasis rehearsals during candid Q&A with fans as he gives a surprise nod to brother Noel ahead of reunion tour
Liam Gallagher revealed exactly how Oasis rehearsals are going during a Q&A on X on Sunday, and gave a surprise nod to his brother Noel. The brothers, who famously fell out, are preparing for their reunion tour, which will see them perform together for the first time in 16 years. Liam and Noel have also been joined in rehearsals by Oasis bassist Andy Bell, guitarists Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, and drummer Joey Waronker. Sharing an update with his 3.8million followers, Liam revealed that the band are being 'professionals' ahead of their first show on July 4. He penned: 'Yesterday was spiritual. Very professional we're just ripping it up to ras. Were professionals no time for drinking.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Another fan also asked if they were on the Guinness while preparing, Liam replied: 'We're professionals. No time for drinking.' Elsewhere Liam admitted he 'doesn't do soundchecks' and that he will be packing his own suitcase for the highly-anticipated tour. Liam then surprised fans with a gushing message about his brother, who he famous fell out with in 2009. He added: 'Noel has been divine. Can't stop staring at him, he might have to get a restraining order out on me can't help it.' While the lads have swapped booze for brews as they rehearse for their long-awaited Live '25 tour. A source close to the Gallaghers told The Sun: 'Liam drinks tea to help warm up his vocal chords. He feels really fresh and they're excited to get going. 'Rehearsals have been electric and they're perfectly in sync.' Liam said previously that he never drinks before a gig, or the night before. Sharing an update with his 3.8million followers, Liam revealed that the band are being 'professionals' and have stopped drinking booze He said: 'The voice don't handle that any more.' Noel, 58, said last year he wanted a break from drinking and was 'going to try and get off the booze'. The pair are reuniting for a huge world tour, and have dates booked across the UK, America, South America and Asia in 2025. Despite the highly-anticipated reunion, it appears the Liam and Noel haven't put all of their differences behind them. A source, who has a guest list ticket for one of the shows in Heaton Park, claimed they will be spending time separately following the shows. They told The Sun: 'You might be seeing Oasis on stage but you will not be seeing Liam and Noel together afterwards. 'Each of them had a VIP list where their friends and famous fans could buy their tickets. 'But depending on which brother you got your ticket off, it's their green room and after-party you're invited to. 'It's gutting for people who want to hang out with both of them but it seems they're keeping it all at a distance.' Despite the separate parties, the duo seem to be working well together, with Liam telling his fans he's loved working with Noel again. The Oasis Live 25 tour kicks off on 4 July at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before playing sell-out gigs at Manchester's Heaton Park, Wembley Stadium in London, and Edinburgh's Murrayfield stadium. The Brit pop band will then head over to America, South America and Asia in 2025.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Liam Gallagher breaks his silence on Oasis rehearsals with surprise nod to brother Noel ahead of reunion tour
LIAM Gallagher has revealed exactly how Oasis rehearsals are going - with a surprise nod to his brother Noel. The famous pair, who famously fell out are gearing up for their reunion tour for the first time in 16 years on July 4. 3 Noel and the rest of the Oasis - bassist Andy Bell, guitarists Gem Archer and Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, and drummer Joey Waronker - had already kicked off rehearsals, with Liam, 52, now joining them. Sharing an update from rehearsals, frontman Liam took to his X profile for an impromptu Q&A and revealed how rehearsals were going. He said: "Yesterday was spiritual. Very professional we're just ripping it up to ras. Were professionals no time for drinking.' Liam then surprised fans with a gushing message about his brother, who he famous fell out with in 2009. He added: 'Noel has been divine. Can't stop staring at him, he might have to get a restraining order out on me can't help it.' While the lads have swapped booze for brews as they rehearse for their long-awaited Live '25 tour. Another fan also asked if they were on the Guinness while preparing, Liam replied: 'We're professionals. "No time for drinking.' A source close to the Gallaghers said: 'Liam drinks tea to help warm up his vocal chords. Inside Noel & Liam Gallagher's first Oasis show in 16 years at surprise venue where they enraged neighbour 'He feels really fresh and they're excited to get going. "Rehearsals have been electric and they're perfectly in sync.' Liam said previously that he never drinks before a gig, or the night before. He said: 'The voice don't handle that any more.' Noel, 58, said last year he wanted a break from drinking and was 'going to try and get off the booze'. Just last week, Noel, 58, was seen taking the Tube to his band's rehearsals in London. It was a far cry from his rock 'n' roll star brother Liam's arrival as cameras clamoured to get a shot of him through the window of a car. It was Liam who had earlier revealed the Gallagher brothers would be blowing off the cobwebs and belting out their classic tunes ahead of their hotly-anticipated summer stadium shows. The group's last gig was at V Festival in 2009, before they split following a huge row backstage at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. The former feuding brothers have now put their differences aside as they get ready for the tour of the decade which kicks off next month. 3
New York Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Andy Bell of Erasure's Magical Mystery World
For years, Andy Bell of Erasure has been drawn to women of a certain age. 'Women like Catherine Deneuve or Deborah Harry have this innate royalness about them, this sense of fully being,' he said. 'I've always admired that.' Imagine his joy, then, when, upon turning 60 last year, he began to feel that way about himself. 'It's almost like seeing yourself from the outside and appreciating who you are,' Bell said by video call from his vacation home in Majorca, Spain. 'How lovely to feel that way!' The feeling gave Bell so much confidence, it helped inspire him to release his first solo album outside of his hit band in 15 years. Titled 'Ten Crowns,' after the Tarot card that signifies finding balance in your life, the album extends Bell's legacy of making effervescent dance music, but with a twist. Instead of working with Vince Clarke, his usual partner in Erasure, he paired with the songwriter, producer and remixer Dave Audé. 'It did feel a bit like cheating,' Bell said with a laugh. The prime subject of the songs — love — echoes the theme of Erasure's classic synth-pop hits of the '80s like 'Oh, L'Amour' and 'Chains of Love.' (The band will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.) As usual, the new songs sharply contrast ecstatic music with yearning lyrics. 'For me, love is an unreachable destination,' Bell said. 'To love someone unconditionally is almost an impossible task.' It's far easier, he finds, to love the things that make up his list of 10 essential inspirations. Interestingly, none have anything to do with music. Instead, they show a heightened sense of the visual world though, to Bell, they're intimately related. 'I definitely see things as sounds,' he said. These are edited excerpts from the conversation. I love that illusion. It brings you to a place where reality meets fantasy. I think my interest stems from when I first saw Andy Warhol's 'Flesh for Frankenstein' with Joe Dallesandro. What's not to like? Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
