Latest news with #BillCallahan
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Bill Callahan, high priest of 1990s bedroom angst: ‘Dublin was an early adopter of me'
The children are at school, and Bill Callahan is enjoying the stillness of an empty house. 'When I was a kid I hated school, but now I love school. I understand now why school was invented,' the cult indie songwriter says, his speaking voice steeped in the same mordant wit that has been a defining feature of his releases for the past 30 years. On a typical morning he will take advantage of the temporary absence of his wife, the film-maker Hanly Banks, and their two children, to work on music, adding to a repertoire of dark, deadpan songs that, beginning in the early 1990s, have earned him a loyal international following. There was a time when he would never discuss his daily routine with a stranger. For many years, in fact, he refused to talk to journalists altogether, a reluctance born of introversion and an understandable aversion to having his art dissected. But, as is often the way, middle age and parenthood have brought a new mellowness. At 59, this high priest of 1990s bedroom angst has become a low-key king of chill. READ MORE 'I think a lot of young people's depression – quote, unquote – is actually just confusion and a sort of lack of rootedness,' Callahan says ahead of his show in Dublin this weekend. 'As you get older you figure some things out. You start to put down some roots. The music reflects [that]. Man, if I was still writing like I did when I was 23, I'd be in a bad state. If I still had that same outlook.' [ Bill Callahan: 'America is a very fractured country. We're not one people' Opens in new window ] His outlook back then was bleak to the point of almost bumping up against self-parody. Consider his fourth album, Wild Love, from 1995, and lyrics such as 'When you're down on your luck, and you just can't cope … Don't turn to me 'cause I'm no hope.' Wild Love was one of 14 LPs he put out under the stage name Smog. Those albums hardly made him a superstar, but his fans were steadfast, and he had moments in the spotlight. His fantastically morbid ballad Cold-Blooded Old Times, for instance, featured on the soundtrack to the hit movie adaptation of Nick Hornby's book High Fidelity. By 2005, however, he had grown tired of his stage name, which he felt restricted him as an artist – though his label, the Chicago alternative powerhouse Drag City , disagreed, saying that Smog's abstruseness as an alias gave him huge creative latitude. He went ahead and became Bill Callahan anyway. 'Changing the name was to demarcate a change for myself,' he told Pitchfork in 2007. 'A reminder. My record label discouraged it. I said I wanted change. They said, 'The cool thing about Smog is that it could be anything and still be Smog.' But even this began to feel like a twisted sheet, something that limited movement. Even having the concept that it could be anything at all felt restrictive. As if the wide-openness defined it.' [ Bill Callahan: Looking out a window that isn't there Opens in new window ] In reverting to Bill Callahan, he became a different songwriter. Though still steeped in his trademark pithiness, and defined by his indie-disco-Sinatra singing, the songs become more outward-looking and increasingly characterised by a generosity of spirit and soulfulness. Those qualities are front and centre of his most recent studio album, Ytilaer, from 2023, a project written in the aftermath of the pandemic that functions as a plea to put away our screens and connect with life as it is lived, minute by minute. 'We're coming out of dream,' he croons on its opening track, First Bird, a song about engaging with the world and stepping away from the ersatz comforts of the digital realm. He hasn't changed completely, however. On stage and in person, his laconic wit is always near the surface. He laughs a lot as he talks – when he's on stage there's a sense that he's chuckling in the face of an uncaring cosmos if for no other reason than that it's better than crying. 'It's how I live my life. I approach most of life with humour. Leading with humour – it's the fun way to live. It is fun to try to get people to laugh. And for other people to try to get other people to try to be humorous too. 'It's my modus operandi ... I was depressed when I was in my early 20s. Like a lot of early-20-year-olds. But you might as well. It's too much if you don't throw some humour in there. Nobody wants to hear it.' Callahan put out his first live album last year. It's a maximalist affair featuring a saxophone player and lashings of guitar and strings. His performance in Dublin will be more stripped down, for mostly practical reasons. 'I have been doing a lot of solo shows in the past few years, largely because the cost of living all over the world … it's going up. But the fees I get paid have stayed the same. It's really hard to bring a band on the road. I've been doing a lot of solo things.' He's had to find ways of making a one-man show feel bigger and more dramatic. It can't just be a guy on stage with a guitar and a heart of woe. 'Two or three years ago I started using a looper and backing tracks of some sort. Or a loop or a drone or something like that. Just to make it … as if I'm playing with somebody. It's so much easier playing just one instrument by yourself. When you're not a virtuoso, it's hard to make that compelling.' He adds: 'Even if you add just the slight, little noise – one piano note that you've looped – it transforms everything. Then I'm interacting with something that isn't me, even if I made that loop. It's almost like having a bandmate up there. I can interact. That makes what I'm playing sing. It gives it more dimension.' Callahan has long had a following in Ireland. Early in his career he was championed by DJs and journalists here, particularly Donal Dineen , through his No Disco series on RTÉ. 'Dublin was an early adopter of me. It's kind of waxed and waned over the years – sometimes just due to the economy. Sometimes different countries get into different albums,' he says. 'One record might be big in Spain, and Germany doesn't like it, and then the next one, Germany loves it, and Spain's not that into it.' He pauses, and there it is again: that flash of humour, bright as sunshine in deepest winter. 'It's really quite strange.' Bill Callahan plays the National Concert Hall , in Dublin, on Sunday, July 20th
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NFL OL Has Strong Thoughts on Titans Coach Bill Callahan
Former NFL OL Has Strong Thoughts on Titans Coach Bill Callahan originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Last season in Tennessee, there were tons of questions about the offensive line. Unfortunately, the answers received from the 2024 Titans offensive line were not good, with all quarterbacks who lined up under center being under duress a lot. In the 2025 offseason, the Titans addressed that, signing former Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Dan Moore, Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler and moving 2024 first-round pick JC Latham from left tackle to right tackle. With this reconfigured room, the Titans are hoping for better production and protection up front. Advertisement And while the players have to do the work, the coaches also have to prepare the players to be at their best. That is where Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan, the father of head coach Brian Callahan, comes in. The veteran NFL coach has had numerous offensive linemen he has coached over the years, and although the Titans' offensive line as a whole did not play consistently well, there is still confidence he will get this group to where they need to be. Former NFL offensive lineman George Foster, in his most recent appearance on the Touring The AFC South podcast, spoke to the genius of the elder Callahan when it comes to offensive linemen "Bill Callahan is the man," Foster said. "He is the GOAT. I have seen what he has done with guys during my time as a scout that I did not think, for lack of a better word, were worth anything. I have seen him get some use of them. Whether it be for a few years or in spot duty. I have seen him get work out of guys that probably shouldn't be in the league as long as they were." Callahan, over his 30 years in the NFL, has established a reputation that is well-known for his expertise in offensive line play. And with the Titans, another challenge stands in front of him. In Year 2, he now works with a group whose talent has been upgraded. But his challenge is to get the absolute best out of them as a unit. He did the best with what he had last year, but we shall see what he can do with the pieces he has this season. But there isn't any shortage of confidence in the abilities he has as an offensive line coach, as Foster stated. Advertisement Related: What the PFF Numbers Say About the Titans Defense Related: Details Emerge on Cam Ward Docuseries That's Coming to Streaming This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
San Francisco Chronicle
03-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Titans revamp their offensive line to protect No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trying to fix the offensive line was this offseason's top priority for the Tennessee Titans even before quarterback Cam Ward became the No. 1 overall pick. Only four NFL teams allowed more sacks in the 2024 season than Tennessee and that was a reason why the Titans won only three games in coach Brian Callahan's debut season. New general manager Mike Borgonzi signed Dan Moore Jr. as the Titans' left tackle along with veteran Kevin Zeitler as a right guard. JC Latham, their first-round pick a year ago, has switched ends to right tackle. Protecting the quarterback better is a priority. That's why offensive line guru Bill Callahan has taken his linemen back to fundamentals this offseason. 'I think we have a good vision,' Callahan said Tuesday. 'I think we'll have a better idea as it unfolds here in training camp.' The Titans have plenty of room for improvement with only Houston (54), Seattle (54), Cleveland (66) and Chicago (68) giving up more than Tennessee's 52 sacks allowed. Center Lloyd Cushenberry, who missed eight games with an Achilles' tendon injury, is busy rehabbing along with Zeitler. Brian Callahan said that's by design as the Titans try to manage the 35-year-old Zeitler. 'Don't need to see a lot of Zeitler at the moment," the Titans coach said. "He's pretty proven at this point in his career. So more just about being smart than anything else. But he's here, he's participating, he's around, he's in meetings and he's with us.' The Titans made a beeline for Moore in free agency. The Pittsburgh left tackle got a four-year deal worth $82 million and $50 million guaranteed as a rare starting offensive tackle available in free agency. 'It's hard to find, you know, quality tackles any more in free agency because everybody's keeping them,' Bill Callahan said. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Moore's best ability might be his availability. He started all 66 games he's played, including 17 last season. His arrival helps Tennessee try to fix right tackle where four different players started last season. Moore's big contract is a sign the Titans see beyond the NFL-high 12 sacks along with 41 quarterback pressures allowed by Moore, according to Pro Football Focus. Moore said he thought he played well last season and expects to improve his game with Bill Callahan's help. "All I'm looking forward to is the future,' Moore said. Latham has spent the offseason losing weight after getting up to 370 pounds at the end of his rookie season with the added heft slowing him down. He met with his position coach and worked with the Titans' nutritionist and his own chef to cut down his food. That is why Latham showed up for the third phase of the offseason program at 337 pounds, and he is working to get closer to 325 or even 320 as he settles back in the position he played in college at Alabama. Latham said he'll play wherever the Titans want him. The Titans linemen hope to build on chemistry started this offseason working out at offensive line coach Duke Manyweather's gym in Texas. Moore was there with Latham and left guard Peter Skoronski, going into his third NFL season with yet another left tackle. Skoronski, the 11th pick overall in 2023, said he'll miss Latham but sees Moore's experience as being helpful. 'He's got a great attitude and works super, super hard," Skoronski said of Moore. "So we already gel pretty well. And you always want to have a great relationship with your left tackle. So I think we're off to a good start with that.' ___
Winnipeg Free Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Titans revamp their offensive line to protect No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trying to fix the offensive line was this offseason's top priority for the Tennessee Titans even before quarterback Cam Ward became the No. 1 overall pick. Only four NFL teams allowed more sacks in the 2024 season than Tennessee and that was a reason why the Titans won only three games in coach Brian Callahan's debut season. New general manager Mike Borgonzi signed Dan Moore Jr. as the Titans' left tackle along with veteran Kevin Zeitler as a right guard. JC Latham, their first-round pick a year ago, has switched ends to right tackle. Protecting the quarterback better is a priority. That's why offensive line guru Bill Callahan has taken his linemen back to fundamentals this offseason. 'I think we have a good vision,' Callahan said Tuesday. 'I think we'll have a better idea as it unfolds here in training camp.' The Titans have plenty of room for improvement with only Houston (54), Seattle (54), Cleveland (66) and Chicago (68) giving up more than Tennessee's 52 sacks allowed. Center Lloyd Cushenberry, who missed eight games with an Achilles' tendon injury, is busy rehabbing along with Zeitler. Brian Callahan said that's by design as the Titans try to manage the 35-year-old Zeitler. 'Don't need to see a lot of Zeitler at the moment,' the Titans coach said. 'He's pretty proven at this point in his career. So more just about being smart than anything else. But he's here, he's participating, he's around, he's in meetings and he's with us.' The Titans made a beeline for Moore in free agency. The Pittsburgh left tackle got a four-year deal worth $82 million and $50 million guaranteed as a rare starting offensive tackle available in free agency. 'It's hard to find, you know, quality tackles any more in free agency because everybody's keeping them,' Bill Callahan said. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Moore's best ability might be his availability. He started all 66 games he's played, including 17 last season. His arrival helps Tennessee try to fix right tackle where four different players started last season. Moore's big contract is a sign the Titans see beyond the NFL-high 12 sacks along with 41 quarterback pressures allowed by Moore, according to Pro Football Focus. Moore said he thought he played well last season and expects to improve his game with Bill Callahan's help. 'All I'm looking forward to is the future,' Moore said. Latham has spent the offseason losing weight after getting up to 370 pounds at the end of his rookie season with the added heft slowing him down. He met with his position coach and worked with the Titans' nutritionist and his own chef to cut down his food. That is why Latham showed up for the third phase of the offseason program at 337 pounds, and he is working to get closer to 325 or even 320 as he settles back in the position he played in college at Alabama. Latham said he'll play wherever the Titans want him. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Titans linemen hope to build on chemistry started this offseason working out at offensive line coach Duke Manyweather's gym in Texas. Moore was there with Latham and left guard Peter Skoronski, going into his third NFL season with yet another left tackle. Skoronski, the 11th pick overall in 2023, said he'll miss Latham but sees Moore's experience as being helpful. 'He's got a great attitude and works super, super hard,' Skoronski said of Moore. 'So we already gel pretty well. And you always want to have a great relationship with your left tackle. So I think we're off to a good start with that.' ___ AP NFL:
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Titans revamp their offensive line to protect No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trying to fix the offensive line was this offseason's top priority for the Tennessee Titans even before quarterback Cam Ward became the No. 1 overall pick. Only four NFL teams allowed more sacks in the 2024 season than Tennessee and that was a reason why the Titans won only three games in coach Brian Callahan's debut season. New general manager Mike Borgonzi signed Dan Moore Jr. as the Titans' left tackle along with veteran Kevin Zeitler as a right guard. JC Latham, their first-round pick a year ago, has switched ends to right tackle. Protecting the quarterback better is a priority. That's why offensive line guru Bill Callahan has taken his linemen back to fundamentals this offseason. 'I think we have a good vision,' Callahan said Tuesday. 'I think we'll have a better idea as it unfolds here in training camp.' The Titans have plenty of room for improvement with only Houston (54), Seattle (54), Cleveland (66) and Chicago (68) giving up more than Tennessee's 52 sacks allowed. Center Lloyd Cushenberry, who missed eight games with an Achilles' tendon injury, is busy rehabbing along with Zeitler. Brian Callahan said that's by design as the Titans try to manage the 35-year-old Zeitler. 'Don't need to see a lot of Zeitler at the moment,' the Titans coach said. 'He's pretty proven at this point in his career. So more just about being smart than anything else. But he's here, he's participating, he's around, he's in meetings and he's with us.' The Titans made a beeline for Moore in free agency. The Pittsburgh left tackle got a four-year deal worth $82 million and $50 million guaranteed as a rare starting offensive tackle available in free agency. 'It's hard to find, you know, quality tackles any more in free agency because everybody's keeping them,' Bill Callahan said. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Moore's best ability might be his availability. He started all 66 games he's played, including 17 last season. His arrival helps Tennessee try to fix right tackle where four different players started last season. Moore's big contract is a sign the Titans see beyond the NFL-high 12 sacks along with 41 quarterback pressures allowed by Moore, according to Pro Football Focus. Moore said he thought he played well last season and expects to improve his game with Bill Callahan's help. 'All I'm looking forward to is the future,' Moore said. Latham has spent the offseason losing weight after getting up to 370 pounds at the end of his rookie season with the added heft slowing him down. He met with his position coach and worked with the Titans' nutritionist and his own chef to cut down his food. That is why Latham showed up for the third phase of the offseason program at 337 pounds, and he is working to get closer to 325 or even 320 as he settles back in the position he played in college at Alabama. Latham said he'll play wherever the Titans want him. The Titans linemen hope to build on chemistry started this offseason working out at offensive line coach Duke Manyweather's gym in Texas. Moore was there with Latham and left guard Peter Skoronski, going into his third NFL season with yet another left tackle. Skoronski, the 11th pick overall in 2023, said he'll miss Latham but sees Moore's experience as being helpful. 'He's got a great attitude and works super, super hard,' Skoronski said of Moore. 'So we already gel pretty well. And you always want to have a great relationship with your left tackle. So I think we're off to a good start with that.' ___ AP NFL:
