Latest news with #ELO
News18
15 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Meet Divya Deshmukh, The Teenage WGM Making Waves On The Global Stage
Last Updated: Deshmukh added yet another accolade to her growing list of achievements as she moved into the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup in Georgia on Wednesday. Divya Deshmukh etched her name in the long annals of Indian chess history as she moved into the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 with her triumph over Zhongyi Tan in the semifinal, thus becoming the first teenager in over three decades to secure a place in the summit clash of the prestigious event. The 19-year-old from Nagpur also enjoyed a stunning run to the final as she eliminated second seed, Zhu Jiner of China, before defeating her experienced compatriot and India's No. 2, Harika Dronavalli, in the quarterfinals. Born into a Marathi family, the daughter of doctors Jitendra and Namratha Deshmukh, Divya, attended Bhavans Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir and took to the chequered board early. Her father taught her the basics of the game when the youngester was all of five years old, and she took it to like a swan to water as she went on to clinch her first national title at the tender age of seven. Her rise, there on out, has been nothing short of phenomenal. Deshmukh's current ELO rating reads 2463, while her peak rating of 2501 dating back to October of last year, serving as a fair indicator of the incredible talent the teenager possesses. Divya became India's 21st Woman Grandmaster in the year 2021 and won the 2022 Women's Indian Chess Championship. She earned an individual bronze medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad and played a crucial role in India's gold medal victory at the 2020 FIDE Online Olympiad. As of December 2024, she is ranked No. 2 among Indian women chess players. Divya clinched the Asian Women's Chess Championship in Almaty in 2023 and won the women's rapid section of the Tata Steel India Chess Tournament, defeating top players such as Harika Dronavalli and Koneru Humpy. She triumphed at the Sharjah Challengers in 2024, followed by a historic win at the FIDE World U20 Girls Championship in June, becoming only the fourth Indian to achieve this title. She finished with an impressive score of 10/11 after a decisive final-round victory. At the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London, Divya played a key role for Hexamind Chess Club, securing silver in the rapid team event and bronze in the blitz team event. A standout moment came in the blitz semifinal, where she defeated world No. 1 Hou Yifan in an exciting 74-move game. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Spectator
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Magnificent: Stevie Wonder at BST Hyde Park reviewed
The highs of Stevie Wonder's Hyde Park show were magnificently high. The vast band were fully clicked into that syncopated, swampy funk, horns stabbing through the synths, the backing singers adding gospel fervour. And Wonder – now 75 – sang like it was still the 1970s, his voice raspy one minute, angelic the next. Anyone who heard that phenomenal group play 'Living for the City' or 'Superstition' and didn't feel 'ants in my pants and I need to dance', as James Brown once put it, should resign from life: they do not deserve such joy. That said, there were oddities. We were blessed with visits from four of Wonder's nine children, two of whom were given whole songs to sing while the great man had a breather, as were three of the backing singers. Then there was the opening of the show: ten minutes of Wonder addressing the crowd, who maintained a respectful silence while being told over and over – in different formulations and intermittent lapses into faux cockney – that there was too much anger in the world and we all needed to love each other. He couldn't decided whether he wanted to be Dick Van Dyke or Martin Luther King. Needless to say, scientists have as yet ascertained no link between pop stars telling concert-goers that we need to love each other more and increased social cohesion. Actually, the latest studies suggest that the longer such lecturing goes on, the more irritation among those being lectured rises. It's a phenomenon some call the 'Imagine Syndrome', which Wonder exemplified by then playing 'Imagine', so we could hear its timeless message of triteness through fresh ears. But within four songs we were at 'Master Blaster', then 'Higher Ground' and one was willing to forgive everything – all the gloopy ballads, all the showbizzery, even the white jacket with diamanté portraits of John Lennon and Marvin Gaye. Even singing 'Happy Birthday' to his youngest daughter was fabulous because it was Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday', not the song that launched a thousand cakes. There comes a point where you have to see these people before it's too late. I'm glad I got to see Stevie Wonder while he was still recognisably good enough to be Stevie Wonder because some legends are at the point where it's their catalogues rather than their voices that bring 65,000 people out. The day after Wonder, Hyde Park was meant to host the final show by Jeff Lynne's ELO, but a 'systemic infection' had forced him to cancel. I had seen Lynne a few times, and it was always tremendous fun. The week before, I had been at Villa Park, watching the final performance by Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, which was extraordinary and moving. What struck me was how under-celebrated the Birmingham music scene of the late 1960s has been. You can't move for the mythologising of Manchester and Liverpool pop, and though the city bigs up its links to metal, you rarely hear about the products of Brumbeat. But this was the generation that gave us Steve Winwood (and the Spencer Davis Group and Traffic), Lynne, Ozzy and Sabbath, Roy Wood (who was the pre-eminent genius of the lot at the time), the Moody Blues and half of Led Zeppelin. That's one of rock's greatest cities, not the butt of a joke. Finally to Heavenly, the most overqualified group in pop history (seriously, Google them). They are the unlikely heroes to a small but dedicated scene, known as indie-pop or twee-pop, in which emotional directness trumps technical virtuosity: Kurt Cobain loved them for being punk rock and entirely without machismo. Theirs is a political stance based on not compromising principles (the show was part of a DIY weekender they had organised themselves) and being avowedly feminist ('Hearts and Crosses' sets a story of rape against queasy fairground organ). That makes it sound strident and hectoring, but Heavenly are not that. The songs would not have troubled Steely Dan's session guys, but they are full of joy, vim, life. Best of all, there were plenty of twentysomethings in the crowd, filming and dancing and singing along. No need to be Stevie Wonder to be an inspiration to the generations to come; simply capture something truthful.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Jeff Lynne 'gutted' to cancel final shows
Jeff Lynne was "absolutely gutted" to cancel Electric Light Orchestra's (ELO) final shows. The Mr. Blue Sky group had been due to end their Over And Out farewell tour at BST Hyde Park in London last weekend but the show, as well as the penultimate performance in Manchester three days before, was axed after the 77-year-old singer contracted a "systemic infection". Jeff has now spoken out for the first time since the cancellation and thanked fans for their support. He said in a statement: "I am now at home recuperating. 'I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. 'I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love.' It was announced last Saturday (12.07.25) that ELO's London show would be unable to take place the following evening. A statement read: "Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show. "Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule. The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today - and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time." ELO had been forced to cancel their gig at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Thursday (10.07.25) just minutes before taking to the stage, which had sparked fears that the Hyde Park farewell might not take place. A statement on the band's social media accounts confirmed: "Unfortunately, due to illness, tonight's scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead. "Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds, please go to your point of purchase." The singer had previously discussed how it was fitting to be performing ELO's final show at Hyde Park, as it was where the Evil Woman band returned to the stage after a 25-year absence in 2014. Jeff said: "My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. "It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn't be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. "As the song goes, 'We're gonna do it One More Time!'"
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
ELO star Jeff Lynne issues health update after cancelling huge farewell gig in Hyde Park
ELO frontman Jeff Lynne has given a health update a week after his band's farewell gig at BST was cancelled. The 77-year-old musician was taken ill just minutes before his band were due to take the stage in Manchester last Friday and it 3 Jeff Lynne is recuperating from a nasty infection Credit: Getty 3 He issued this statement to ELO fans Credit: Instagram Now, Jeff has issued a statement on Instagram , telling fans: "I am now at home recuperating. "I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. "I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love." Fans continued to share their well wishes. READ MORE ON ELO One commented: "We love you, Jeff! Get well soon." Another said: "I hope you get better soon, Jeff. I just wanted to let you know that apologies are not needed. Your music has been the soundtrack to my life from the 60s to the present day. Thank you for the memories." A third posted: "You've dedicated years to the music industry and have given us great memories, music and entertainment through it all, we all love and support you no matter what. Get better soon." Most read in Music It would have been the culmination of their Over And Out Tour, which began last March. However, he was unable to perform on the advice of doctors following a "systemic infection". Electric Light Orchestra Cancels Manchester Farewell Show as Jeff Lynne Falls Ill A statement from organisers said: "Following the news that Jeff Lynne's ELO will not be able to perform at BST Hyde Park due to medical reasons, Sunday 13 July's event will sadly be cancelled. "Ticket holders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details." It added: "Tonight's performance marks the final night of an incredible edition of BST Hyde Park and we look forward to seeing everyone next year." It remains uncertain if Jeff and the band will plan another farewell gig in the future . Jeff, who formed ELO in 1970 with Roy Wood, previously said how Hyde Park held a special place in his heart. He said: 'My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. 'We couldn't be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, 'we're gonna do it One More Time!'' Earlier this month, Jeff was forced to play without a guitar in his home city of Birmingham after breaking his hand. He told fans on the night, "nothing would keep me away from you". Last May, the band suffered tragedy when keyboard player Richard Tandy died. Jeff led the tributes for his friend, who first joined the band in 1971, saying: "He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together. "Sending all my love to Sheila and the Tandy family." 3 BST ticketholders were gutted by the news Credit: AP
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
ELO star Jeff Lynne issues health update after cancelling huge farewell gig in Hyde Park
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ELO frontman Jeff Lynne has given a health update a week after his band's farewell gig at BST was cancelled. The 77-year-old musician was taken ill just minutes before his band were due to take the stage in Manchester last Friday and it led to the Sunday show in London being pulled. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Jeff Lynne is recuperating from a nasty infection Credit: Getty 3 He issued this statement to ELO fans Credit: Instagram Now, Jeff has issued a statement on Instagram, telling fans: "I am now at home recuperating. "I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. "I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love." Fans continued to share their well wishes. One commented: "We love you, Jeff! Get well soon." Another said: "I hope you get better soon, Jeff. I just wanted to let you know that apologies are not needed. Your music has been the soundtrack to my life from the 60s to the present day. Thank you for the memories." A third posted: "You've dedicated years to the music industry and have given us great memories, music and entertainment through it all, we all love and support you no matter what. Get better soon." Jeff's Electric Light Orchestra were set to headline a stellar day of classic rock in the capital featuring The Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison. It would have been the culmination of their Over And Out Tour, which began last March. However, he was unable to perform on the advice of doctors following a "systemic infection". Electric Light Orchestra Cancels Manchester Farewell Show as Jeff Lynne Falls Ill A statement from organisers said: "Following the news that Jeff Lynne's ELO will not be able to perform at BST Hyde Park due to medical reasons, Sunday 13 July's event will sadly be cancelled. "Ticket holders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticket agent with further details." It added: "Tonight's performance marks the final night of an incredible edition of BST Hyde Park and we look forward to seeing everyone next year." It remains uncertain if Jeff and the band will plan another farewell gig in the future. Jeff, who formed ELO in 1970 with Roy Wood, previously said how Hyde Park held a special place in his heart. He said: 'My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. 'We couldn't be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, 'we're gonna do it One More Time!'' Earlier this month, Jeff was forced to play without a guitar in his home city of Birmingham after breaking his hand. He told fans on the night, "nothing would keep me away from you". Last May, the band suffered tragedy when keyboard player Richard Tandy died. Jeff led the tributes for his friend, who first joined the band in 1971, saying: "He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together. "Sending all my love to Sheila and the Tandy family."
