Latest news with #DaveGrohl
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Glastonbury backstage photographer ready for Raye and Rodrigo
As stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Raye and Rod Stewart head onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, one photographer will have the perfect place to capture that Jackson from Bridgend has a small studio set up right next to the a photographer who loves music, it's his dream job."I'm photographing people I had posters of on my wall. It's a massive privilege," he said. Tom is never sure if the stars will agree to have their picture taken. They are told about his studio and asked to have a photo for the Glastonbury archive. Tom says the process is quite "organic", with some stars agreeing, others not, and some changing their minds at the last minute. So he has to be ready, set to take the shot at a moment's notice if the opportunity comes. "It's an electric place, it's nuts, everyone is on high tempo, the management, the artists."They come out of the VIP area, walk to me, have their picture taken, and the stairs are next to me going up to the stage."He remembered seizing the chance to capture one of his music heroes, when Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters came in. "They came off stage quite suddenly so there was no management waiting, and I said 'Dave do you want to do it now?' "And he said 'boys, do you want to have a sweaty band picture' and they went 'Yeah'." "Dave Grohl was the drummer of Nirvana, one of my favourite bands, I've got their album on the wall there. It's mental."Raye was also "cool" although she had Louis Theroux and a documentary team in tow, which Tom said was a bit out of his comfort zone."They filmed the whole thing, then Raye came over and she was chatting to me, so the cameras came in again. "She was lovely, loved her pictures and posted them straight away. "The thing about Glasto is that it's such a big thing for the artists too, so to enjoy that moment with them is quite nice." So how do you bag a dream job? Tom's break came when he was photographing Emily Eavis at Glastonbury, the daughter of Michael Eavis who started the festival, for The Times Magazine. After the shoot, Tom decided to take a chance and send an email."I was quite frank and said, 'If you ever need anyone to do portraits on the Pyramid Stage, I'd just love to help'."In about half an hour, I got an email back saying 'We'd love you to'. "Then the first year it was crazy. "I photographed Kylie Minogue, The Killers, The Cure, Miley Cyrus, Lauren Hill, in three days."But then, he was no stranger to photographing celebrities. His work at The Times magazine led to him capturing all kinds of well known personalities, from a Spice Girl to Sir David Attenborough. Tom remembered out of everyone he's photographed, it was Sir David, who made him feel the most star-struck. "When you're looking through a lens and you see that man... it's mad. He has to be one of my favourites."Tom had 40 minutes to get that shot in Sir David's home. That's a luxury compared to some of the other stars he's said his time with England and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka was cut heavily, and he ended up doing the entire shoot in just seven of Tom's favourite photos he's taken is of Lenny Kravitz. The shoot took place in a Paris hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tour, and the rock star was up for playing the part."He had this huge leather case and I thought it's a guitar. He said 'look at this, man' and he opened it up and it was full of god knows how many vintage sunglasses. But he was game. I said do you mind sitting in the bath and he said 'Yeah, get me some champagne'."Tom has done the press photography in recent years for the Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey and also the Finale. He captured actors James Corden and Matthew Horne, Smithy and Gavin. "I was photographing them as characters but then they just started having a laugh and fooling around and I just got a nice picture of them both."His shot of Jarvis Cocker, lead singer of Pulp, was taken in the rehearsal room for the bands' current tour."He helped edit them and it was cool." "I was stood in a Camden studio watching them rehearse and it was like a live private gig with Pulp."Key to a good shoot for Tom is to be prepared, to be set up and ready to go, play some music to help relax people and ensure that everyone feels comfortable. That way Tom feels he'll get the best portrait."I like faces, character in faces. I want to capture 'them', the person."And now that most of us carry good quality cameras in our pockets, built into our phones, what's Tom's top tip for taking a good picture?"Use the flash. Every time."
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Wet Leg Became Indie Superheroes Overnight. Now They're Acting Like It.
Taking the stage in a muscled power pose is a declaration of frontwoman confidence. And Rhian Teasdale is gleaming with it. When her band Wet Leg played at Market Hotel in Brooklyn this spring, she strode up in a dingy undershirt and some glorified tighty-whities, and flexed her biceps at the crowd — a stance somewhere between bodybuilder and Wonder Woman. Launching into the come-at-me lyrics of 'Catch These Fists,' the pulsing lead single from the band's upcoming album — 'I don't want your love, I just wanna fight' the chorus snarls — Teasdale, the rhythm guitarist, dropped her custom-made, bubble gum pink instrument, and flashed her guns again. Beside her, Hester Chambers, the college friend she started the band with, was playing lead guitar with her back to the audience (her version of a power move). When they got into 'Chaise Longue,' the underground hit that put them on the map, they were both dancing and grinning. Since Wet Leg emerged three years ago, its trajectory into indie-rock stardom has been a series of almost absurd feats. Pals from the Isle of Wight, England — a far reach from a musical hot spot — the group saw its self-titled debut LP explode, a chart-topper in the United Kingdom that also earned two Grammys. 'Chaise Longue,' perhaps history's catchiest track about a grandfather's upholstered chair, had vocal fans in Elton John, Lorde and Dave Grohl; seemingly overnight, Wet Leg ascended from dingy clubs to stadiums, opening for Foo Fighters and Harry Styles. This is a heady place to activate a sophomore album, 'Moisturizer,' out July 11. Especially because, unlike the debut, which was mostly written by Teasdale and Chambers, the latest effort is the work of a five-piece — including Henry Holmes, the drummer; Ellis Durand, the bassist; and the multi-instrumentalist Joshua Mobaraki, who is also Chambers's boyfriend. And though Chambers, the lead guitarist, is still a full-fledged member of the group, she has stepped back from the sort of promotion she did for the first album, when the two women were featured as soft-spoken musical partners in matching cottagecore dresses. They were billed as a duo, and now, 'we're definitely a band,' Teasdale said decisively. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Girls enjoy unexpected Grave Encounter with Hollywood actress Jenna Ortega
Her role in Addams Family spin-off Wednesday has seen her shoot all manner of graveyard scenes with her on-screen mother Catherine Zeta Jones. And it seems actress Jenna Ortega is equally at home in cemetries during her time off after she was spotted walking her dog in Glasgow 's Victorian city of the dead. The 22 year old Netflix star, who is in Scotland to film scenes for Star Wars director JJ Abrams latest movie, took time out of her day for a stroll in Glasgow's necropolis. During the outing, the friendly star stopped to pose for a photo with a group of young women, including another famous face - Dave Grohl 's daughter Harper, 16. It's not clear if Grohl, who has been sharing photos of the city's tourist attractions on social media this week, was there with Ortega or if it was a chance celebrity encounter. The Wednesday star looked relaxed in her all black ensemble as she posed for pictures with the group at the Necropolis - with the images showing her laughing during the exchange. Meanwhile, Dave Grohl's second eldest daughter Harper is an accomplished drummer who has joined her father onstage at gigs before. Ortega told the Scots she met that she was exploring the city during her break before shooting scenes for the Abrams film at 10pm. One of the group who spoke to Ortega, took to social media to share details of the encounter. She wrote: 'She's shooting a film here. We met her on her break.' She addded: 'She said we all looked so cool and she complimented my friends shirt!' Inspired by the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Glasgow's necropolis opened in May 1833 and is the final resting place for some 50,000 souls from the 19th century. Ortega was also spotted taking a stroll around the city centre, circling Blytheswood Square, Pitt Street and West George Street with her beloved dog. The American star, who has been acting since 2012, became a household name thanks to her part as the central character in Netflix comedy series Wednesday based on The Addams Family character of the same name. Fellow co-stars include 55-year-old Zeta Jones, who plays Wednesday's mother Morticia, and former Bond girl Joanna Lumley, 79, who is a new edition for season two as Moriticia's mother Hester Frump. And it isn't the only spooky production Ortega's been involved in, having starred in Beetlejuice 2 alongside Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. Abrams' latest movie is rumoured to be a sci-fi adventure called Ghostwriter and also stars Hollywood actors Glen Powell and Samuel L Jackson. The Warner Bros production was in Edinburgh and has now been filming long shoots into the early hours of the morning in Glasgow. Sets include dystopian Asian style restaurants with futuristic vehicles and although Jackson has not yet been seen, Powell has been spotted running up hills and walking along pavements in character. Director Abrams told fans who met him this week that he was enjoying his time shooting in Glasgow after being here secretly in February to check out locations during Glasgow Film Festival.
Metro
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Glastonbury mystery performer ‘gives away' appearance with arrival in the UK
Glastonbury fever is reaching new heights after a rock icon was spotted in London just days before the legendary festival kicks off. Fans are convinced a surprise appearance is on the cards from the Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, 56. The iconic musican was seen backstage at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs gig at the Royal Albert Hall, where he posed for a photo with American singer Amanda Palmer. The image quickly made the rounds on social media, with Palmer sharing the snap and gushing: 'Not who I expected to run into backstage… but look, it's Dave Grohl. We shared a sweet conversation mostly singing the cosmic praises of Melissa auf der Maur.' Reddit detectives were quick to connect the dots and speculation exploded about Grohl appearing at Worthy Farm as a mystery guest. In 2023, Grohl and the Foo Fighters stunned the crowd with a surprise set under the alias The Churn Ups, marking their first Glasto performance since headlining in 2017 — and their first major UK gig since the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Now, fans believe Grohl might pop up again. One Redditer wrote: 'Dave Grohl is in London, likely will be at the festival. Has done bits with John Fogerty in the past and other acts. Surely will be popping up at places this year?' More Trending Another speculated a touching tribute might be in store: 'Drumming for Alanis Morissette possibly? Tribute for Taylor Hawkins?' Another wrote: '100% he will be milling about – I'd say a couple of guest appearances are a safe bet. Maybe Alanis for a song or Neil Young for an encore' It wouldn't be far-fetched as Alanis Morissette, set to perform on the Pyramid Stage at 6:15pm on the 27th, was closely linked to Hawkins as he played drums for her before joining the Foo Fighters in 1997. This year's lineup includes The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Doechii, and more — but if Dave Grohl shows up, expect an iconic Glastonbury moment that fans will be talking about for years. 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: The weird and wonderful ways you can cure a Glastonbury hangover MORE: 'I'm walking 192 miles to Glastonbury 25 years after going with my famous parents' MORE: Sir Rod Stewart confirms he will bring 'three guests' on stage for Glastonbury set
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Rock legend ‘gives away' he's Glastonbury's mystery performer as he flies into UK days before festival
Fans are convinced they know when he'll pop up at the festival GLASTO CLUE Rock legend 'gives away' he's Glastonbury's mystery performer as he flies into UK days before festival Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GLASTONBURY fans have gone wild after one mega music star dropped a huge hint that he's headed to the festival. The American musician has flown in to the UK just days before this year's Glastonbury gets underway at Worthy Farm. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 One massive musician has 'given away' a 'mystery' performance at Glastonbury Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 Fans are convinced he will make a surprise appearance after jetting in to London Credit: Getty Fans are convinced he will be making a 'surprise' appearance at the huge music event - especially as he has done it before. Dave Grohl, 56, has sent fans into a spin after posing for a photo with US singer Amanda Palmer at London's Royal Albert Hall. Amanda was backstage at a gig by rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs when she bumped into the Foo Fighters legend. After grabbing Dave for a photo, she shared it on social media and told her followers: "Well I'll be damned. Not who I expected to run into backstage at the Yeah Yeah Yeah's show in London tonight, but look, it's Dave Grohl. She added: "We shared a sweet conversation mostly singing the cosmic praises of Melissa auf der Maur, whose magnificence truly obscures both of us. "It was really nice to meet you, Dave." Writing on Reddit, fans have been quick to make the connection between Dave's trip to London and next week's Glastonbury Festival. In 2023, a mystery act called The Churn Ups caused a stir when they featured on the Pyramid Stage bill. Fans went into a frenzy trying to work out who the band was, before they were eventually unmasked as The Foo Fighters. Starting a new thread on Reddit, music fans are now convinced Dave will be making another surprise appearance at Glastonbury. Fans slam Glastonbury as 'worst one ever' as full lineup announced One wrote: "Dave Grohl is in London, likely will be at the festival. Has done bits with John Fogerty in the past and other acts. Surely will be popping up at places this year?" Another replied: "Drumming for Alanis Morrisette possibly? Tribute for Taylor Hawkins?" And a third added: "100% will be milling about - I'd say a couple of guest appearances are a safe bet. Maybe Alanis for a song or Neil Young for an encore." The Foo Fighters' surprise Glastonbury set in 2023 was the first time the band had been at the festival since headlining in 2017. It was also their first major gig in the UK following the death of the band's drummer Taylor Hawkins, who passed away in March 2022 aged 50. Taylor had joined The Foo Fighters in 1997 and, prior to that, was the drummer on Alanis Morrissette's tour. Canadian musician Alanis is listed to perform on the Pyramid Stage at 6.15pm next Friday (June 27), which would be the perfect time for Dave to appear. Other headliners this year include The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Doechii and The Prodigy. Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. Rod Stewart will also be performing in the Legends slot, having previously headlined at Worthy Farm 23 years ago. This week, the rock icon revealed in an interview how much he is being paid to perform this year - and how much he is set to lose. Rod told the Radio Times: "It was about eight months ago when I was asked to do it, maybe a little longer. But it didn't fit with my schedule because I've got to bring everybody back from America. "It's going to cost me £300,000 to do it and they only pay you about 120,000 quid. So it's going to cost me." 5 Dave Grohl has been pictured with US musician Amanda Palmer at The Royal Albert Hall Credit: Facebook 5 The last time Dave appeared at Glastonbury was with the Foo Fighters in 2023 Credit: Getty
