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Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Secret behind Freddie Mercury's Live Aid performance and Gary Kemp's big regret
On July 13 1985 Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially opened Live Aid - Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's organisational triumph, that saw some of the world's greatest musicians perform at Wembley and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. Broadcast to 1.9 billion people globally, performers like The Style Council's Dee C. Lee recall the thrilling, but nerve-wracking concert, that raised more than £114m for Ethiopian famine relief. Fans assumed she was wearing shades because of the sun. In fact, she was so nervous that she threw up just before the band, led by her future husband Paul Weller, went on stage. 'Travelling to Wembley felt pretty much like travelling to perform at any festival, but once we got there, it all got very real very quick.' says Dee, 64. 'Before we went on, the nerves had properly kicked in, to the point I had thrown up just before walking out onto the stage. This explains why I had to perform in dark glasses, as my eye makeup had run. Not my normal practice!' Speaking on BBC Sounds' Live Aid: Fans' Story, released today, Dee is celebrating that magic day's 40th anniversary. She also sang on the Band Aid single, Do They Know It's Christmas? which raised around £8 million for the famine and was the precursor to the concert. Dee - who went on to have two children, Nathanial and Leah, with Paul before their 1998 split - continues: 'Looking back, I'd felt I'd been part of something amazing, but I didn't realise how historic the day would become. I'm still very proud to have played a small part in it.' The Style Council performed second on the bill after Status Quo, who had the perfect opener with Rockin' All Over The World, following a brief performance by the Coldstream Guard. The Quo's Francis Rossi, 76, says: 'Nobody wanted to go on first. There were lots of egos. I remember asking our manager if anybody had decided yet. 'I said we would gladly go on first, because everybody was arguing. We thought we'd be out of there in 15 minutes and home and didn't think the whole thing would be anywhere near as important as it became.' Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp didn't anticipate the magnitude of the day either. Had he done so, he says he wouldn't have chosen that moment to perform new track Virgin to the audience of 72,000 at Wembley and 89,000 at JFK Stadium watching via satellite, not to mention the billion plus viewers at home. 'I am slightly irritated by the fact that we chose that moment to do a new song,' admits Gary, 65. 'I can't believe that we did a new song out of the three we chose. We didn't do Gold, which frustrates me. We did True and Only When You Leave. We didn't fully get that people would be talking about it 40 years later." The Who had not played together for years when they did Live Aid. 'I was quite excited to watch them,' says Gary, revealing how guitarist Pete Townshend allowed him to watch them perform from the side of the stage. 'At the end of the concert, Sting was handing out the hymn sheets of Do They Know It's Christmas and was very much the head boy of the situation. 'We all kind of did a sort of rehearsal backstage that sort of fell apart and then, of course, everyone ran on stage and tried to do their best. Some people were much better at getting to the front than others.' Nik Kershaw, 67, was approached by Sir Bob about Live Aid in January 1985, when the Boomtown Rats singer spotted him at Heathrow Airport waiting for a flight. 'There was a whole bunch of us going off to a German TV show, and Bob was lurking in the terminal. I never figured out exactly why he was there,' he says. Recalling the atmosphere at Live Aid being 'fraught and tense' until he finished his set, he continues: 'There was a whole load of us hanging out in the royal box. I remember Tony Hadley standing up in the front and saying, 'Does anyone want a beer?' And everybody, I mean, everybody, put their hand up, and he just slumped off and appeared about half an hour later with trays and trays and trays of beers. Good man, Tony. 'When Queen came on, it was an utterly joyous celebration of music. But there were other moments. I remember a particularly poignant moment when David Bowie came off stage a song early, so they could play the original 1984 Michael Burke news report in Ethiopia that started the whole thing off, and the whole place went quiet as everybody remembered what they were there for.' When the show was over and they were all packing up to go home, Nik heard someone singing to himself ' Do They Know It's Christmas time' 'It was Mr. Bowie and I was completely and utterly star-struck,' he says. Billy Ocean performed across the pond at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. 'I was pleased they asked me to do it,' he says, 'I would have liked to have been one of the black artists in London. I would have been very offended if they hadn't asked me. 'I've always given Bob my respect ( for putting together Live Aid). I thank him for doing something like that for Africans." Meanwhile, Queen's set, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Hammer To Fall, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions is widely regarded as the most famous single performance in popular music history . But it almost never happened. Sir Bob reveals how Freddie Mercury called him, unsure about taking part. Doing an impersonation of Freddie, Sir Bob 73, remembers the call, saying: 'The phone rang and he goes 'Is that you Bobsy? 'I said, 'Yes, and he said, 'So what's all this? It's wonderful what you're doing, but that's not really our thing, you know?' 'I said 'I get it, Fred, honestly, man. But if there was one stage in the world ever built for you, this is it.' And he said, 'Well, what do you mean?' And I said, 'Well, hello, darling! the world.' 'There was a pause, and then Freddie said, 'Yes, I think I know where you're coming from.' And then the next minute, Freddie went on and blasted the world. ' Legendary DJ Paul Gambaccini was backstage, recalling: 'Someone came up to me and said 'they are stealing the show!' You could feel the frisson.' Meanwhile, Sir Bob adds: 'Freddie and Queen will always be remembered for Live Aid. It's not me bigging myself up, but they came from a space of exhaustion with each other, with their music and unsure where to go next. I think they thought, 'if we're gonna go we're gonna go out on a high - by telling people what we did.' These guys just wrapped it up in their blazing 15- 20 minutes.' Freddie, who died from an AIDS related illness in 1991, called it 'a turning point in the history of Queen.' Supported by drummer Roger Taylor, lead guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass guitarist John Deacon, one of the world's greatest showmen ensured that we are still celebrating Live Aid 40 years later.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Meet the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 grand final presenters
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 grand final is tonight and fans are eager to find out who will be hosting the world's biggest music event. Throughout this week, excitement has been building with BBC airing the two semi-finals on Tuesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 15, narrowing down the competition. A whopping 37 countries are going to be taking to the stage at St Jakobshalle, Basel, in Switzerland, this evening, Saturday, May 17. As always, talk show host Graham Norton is going to be behind the cameras as the UK's Eurovision voiceover with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds' coverage presented by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark. So who will be the presenters taking to the main stage to host the grand final of Eurovision 2025? During the semi-finals, it was comedian and presenter Hazel Brugger and former Eurovision performer Sandra Studer who led proceedings. But for the grand final, the pair are going to be joined by Michelle Hunziker who Eurovision has described as 'one of Europe's most beloved entertainers'. Hazel Brugger is an award-winning comedian with a number of accolades under her belt including a German Comedy Award and a Salzburg Bull award. She will once again be sharing the stage for the third time this week with presenter and singer Sandra Studer. Sandra took part in the Eurovision Song Contest herself in 1991 when she represented Sweden and came in fifth place with the song Canzone Per Te. She continues to work closely with Eurovision since her stint on stage, acting as a pre-selection host, spokesperson and commentator. For the big night, Brugger and Studer are going to be accompanied on the main stage by Michelle Hunziker. She is a seasons presenter for various German and Italian shows including Striscia la Notizia, Festival di Sanremo and Wetten, dass…?. Co-executive producers of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Moritz Stadler and Reto Peritz shared that they chose these three women as the night's presenters as they wanted them to bring 'unique versatility' to the stage, including 'comedy, dance and singing'. The 37 countries taking part this year are almost exactly the same as last year's line-up in Malmo, Sweden, apart from Montenegro which is returning for the first time since 2022. Montenegro is replacing Moldova which withdrew from Eurovision 2025 due to 'financial and logistical challenges', according to BBC. The Eurovision Song Contest grand final airs from 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sara Cox joins Radio 2 presenting line-up for Eurovision 2025!
Announced on BBC Radio 2's The Scott Mills Breakfast Show, Sara Cox will be joining Scott, Rylan and Richie Anderson in this year's Radio 2 presenting line-up for Eurovision 2025! Sara and Richie sent voicenotes to Scott revealing that they will both be heading to Basel, Switzerland, to provide the Radio 2 commentary for both of the Eurovision Semi-Finals. Sara said, in full Eurovision style: "You have put on such an amazing show, it gives me great pleasure to reveal that the Semi Final commentary team for Radio 2 will be us, yes, me Sara Cox and him." Richie: "Richie Anderson! Scott, now you know I've loved coming to Eurovision with you over the past few years and doing the commentary last year was a dream come true, although when I was in that tight little booth on my own and I looked to my left and I saw you and Rylan, and looked to my right and saw the duo from Italy, I thought, you know what I need to bring a friend this year, so I am so excited that Sara is going to come along with me." Sara makes her return to the Eurovision Song Contest commentary booth, co-hosting Radio 2 and BBC Sounds' coverage of the Semi-Finals on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May, live from the arena in Basel. They'll be bringing listeners their commentary from St. Jakobshalle arena, as we find out which country's entries will be joining UK act, Remember Monday, in Saturday's Grand Final alongside the acts from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the host country Switzerland. In the first Semi Final, fifteen countries are taking part with the best ten qualifying for the Grand Final on the Saturday night. In the second Semi-Final, sixteen countries are taking part with the best ten qualifying for the Grand Final. In Thursday's Semi-Final, the UK's artist, Remember Monday, will showcase their entry for Eurovision, although as a member of the 'Big Five' countries, the UK automatically qualify for Saturday's Grand Final. Sara also presents her Teatime show live from the centre of Basel on Wednesday 14 May (4-7pm), bringing the lowdown on the first first Semi Final. Expect all the usual Teatime treats with a Swiss flavour! Sara previously commentated on the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Scott Mills in Düsseldorf (2011) and Baku (2012) and once again returned to the competition in 2021 when the contest was held in Rotterdam. Richie is a life-long Eurovision fan and has been known to host a Eurovision themed party on the night of the Grand Final. He was in Turin for the competition in 2022, reported live from Liverpool in 2023, and joined the BBC's commentary team last year for the Semi Finals broadcast live from Malmö. Scott and Rylan return as Radio 2 and BBC Sounds' presenters for this year's Grand Final which will be broadcast live on the network. They paired up to host the Grand Final for the first time for Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool and in Sweden in 2024, and will be back together again, broadcasting live from the centre of the action in Switzerland getting behind the UK act, Remember Monday, as well as cheering on all the other entries! Scott and Rylan will be hosting the Semi Finals on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer. Eurovision 2025 on the BBC - Everything you need to know KA
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis names three best fixed-rate Cash ISAs that can be opened right now
Martin Lewis has shared the top three fixed rate Cash ISAs to open right now - as he urged savers to take advantage of them while they are still available on the market Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has just revealed the top three fixed-rate Cash ISAs worth your attention. Speaking on the latest episode of BBC Sounds' Money Saving Expert Money Show, which he co-hosts with Adrian Chiles, the finance expert and well-known face from BBC and ITV delivered the goods. Martin, 52, shared his insights: "Now let me move on to top fixed rate Cash ISAs. Here, the rate is locked in, they cannot drop the interest rate on you. So, for one year you've got UBL UK at 4.31%, minimum £2,000, Zopa at 4.3%, minimum £1, and the big name here is Santander at 4.25% minimum £500." Looking at two-year fixes, he recommended Progressive Building Society at 4.3%, minimum £500, UBL UK at 4.26%, minimum £2,000, and the more well-known Santander at 4.1%, minimum £500. He went on to clarify that fixed-rate Cash ISAs are unique: "Now what's interesting about fixed rate Cash ISAs, unlike fixed rate normal savings, is the Cash ISA regulations mean they cannot lock your money away." This means that, contrary to fixed-rate savings accounts where you trade accessibility for a guaranteed rate, "With fixed rate Cash ISAs, they have to allow you access to your money but they normally charge you an interest rate penalty for 90 or 180 days." The penalty could result in losing up to half a year's interest, so Martin advised against these options if you're likely to withdraw your funds due to foreseeable circumstances, reports Birmingham Live. However, he highlighted one upside: "But the advantage of them is, if you think there's a very slight chance you need to access your money, then a fixed rate Cash ISA will always allow you to do that if you take an interest rate hit." According to Mr Lewis, fixed-rate savings are intended to secure money for a specified period, offering rate stability in return. Money Saving Expert further explains that if you're opening a fixed cash ISA, you'll typically need to deposit the amount you're saving within a two-to-four-week timeframe.
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Kyle Walker Podcast returns for season 2 on BBC Sounds
BBC Sounds' The Kyle Walker Podcast is returning for a second season on Thursday 3 April. Now playing for a new team, in a new league, in a new country, the England defender opens up on how his career has changed in this 10-part series. Episode 1 is available to listen to on BBC Sounds now, as well as watch on BBC Sounds YouTube from 6pm on Thursday 3 April. In this season, Kyle and his good mate, former Man City, Tottenham and Sheff Utd midfielder Michael Brown, talk about life at one of the world's most historic and glamorous clubs: AC Milan. He reveals the challenges as he adapts to La Dolce Vita in Italy, while continuing to discuss what it's like taking on some of the world's top players and teams at the very highest level. As well as discussing his personal journey, Kyle shares his thoughts on the latest football news from England and be joined by some of his good mates from his time in the game. In episode 1 the pair discuss their hopes of getting footballing legends Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the podcast. Stay tuned to find out if the duo are successful in their quest. There are 10 episodes of The Kyle Walker Podcast with more to follow later this year in collaboration with BBC Three. RM4
