Latest news with #Jacob'sLadder
The Herald Scotland
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Why Scotland's 'great lost rock star' is busier than ever
August, as it turns out, will be a busy month for the man of whom it was once said, by the Herald, that he 'may be Scotland's great lost rock star'. Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, fresh from a sweltering gig at Oran Mor nine days ago, are at the Doune festival on August 2. The Filthy Tongues, the darkly compelling band formed by the core musicians of Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, are playing the Famous Spiegeltent during the Edinburgh Fringe on August 13, and will also guest at A Night for Soapy, a fundraising event at Glasgow's Barrowland on August 31. Beyond that, there are dates at Irvine's Harbour Arts Centre on October 24 and Dunfermline's PJ Molloys the following night. Were all that not enough, Martin is producing the forthcoming albums by the Rezillos and The Countess of Fife. He is also, into the bargain, a talented painter. He first made his name as singer and songwriter with Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, a popular Bathgate group whose distinctive sound emerged from the post-punk scene. In 1989 their well-received debut album, Good Deeds and Dirty Rags was a Top 30 hit in the UK charts and led to eventful tours of Britain and Europe. Sadly, as was the fate of many other promising groups, they would go on to be plagued by record company indecision and internal politics. Though there were three further, very fine, albums – Hammer and Tongs (1991), Five (1994; it charted in the UK for the first time upon its reissue in 2024), and The Glory Hole (1996) – the band came to an end, with a final gig at Glasgow's The Garage in late 1995, after Shirley Manson and guitarist 'Big John' Duncan had departed. Along the way, band members had created a side-project, Angelfish, whose 1994 album was produced by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads. Read more: The Filthy Tongues, which Martin formed alongside former GMM bandmates Fin Wilson and Derek Kelly, were initially known as Isa and the Filthy Tongues, with Stacey Chavis as lead singer, and released two albums, Addiction, a potent blend of punk, surf and blues, and Dark Passenger. They also contributed songs, including the title track, to New Town Killers, an Edinburgh-set thriller directed by the former Skids frontman, Richard Jobson. When Chavis left, the band continued as the Filthy Tongues, whose music would explore the dark underbelly of Edinburgh. Their excellent 2016 debut, Jacob's Ladder, enticed The Scotsman's reviewer to describe them as now a 'strictly testosterone-charged mean gothic blues machine. There is more than a dash of the Nick Cave in the biblical imagery of the title track and much of the album lurks misanthropically in the shadows, but the classy, drawling Holy Brothers references their own musical past with a certain urban romance'. Jacob's Ladder (2016), Back to Hell (2018) and 2023's densely claustrophobic In These Dark Places all followed. Of Back to Hell, the rock-to-punk-rock music website Louder than War observed: 'This menacingly glorious follow-up to Jacob's Ladder is packed full of richly textured musicianship sound-tracking passionate tales of desolation and pain but with a glimmer of hope to come'. Also in 2023, the Filthy Tongues featured in Revelations of Rab McVie, an acclaimed collaboration at the Traverse Theatre with artist Maria Rud and actor Tam Dean Burn. As The Herald's theatre critic, Neil Cooper, noted: 'Martin Metcalfe fronts the five-piece Filthy Tongues like some arcane preacher hurling out gothic litanies over a swamptrash voodoo backing'. A live album is currently in the pipeline. The Rezillos' and Fay Fife's new albums are being co-produced by Martin Metcalfe Martin was flattered to be approached to work on the new albums by the Rezillos, The Armoury Show and The Countess of Fife. 'It was the Countess herself who asked me to co-produce her album', he says. 'That came as a total shock and surprise. 'First she had asked me to co-produce the new Rezillos album, which completely blew me away. The Rezillos were after all the first band I ever saw properly, at the Glasgow Apollo, when I was 15. 'So I find it quite astonishing that I was asked to work on their album, because I never put myself out there as a producer. In fact, it's Derek Kelly who takes most of the producer's role in the Filthy Tongues. 'I've spent a lot of time in control rooms, with the likes of Reinhold Mack, who produced Queen and also recorded the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. 'So, over the years, you do get to a place where you know what you're doing. I've never imagined a career as a producer but one thing has led to another, but it's been a great experience to work with the Rezillos, the Countess and The Armoury Show'. It was a 'huge compliment' to have been asked to produce the latter band's Dead Souls, which charted at number six in the Scottish charts. It's worth mentioning that Martin and Fin also spent a year touring with the Skids in 2023-24, playing between 30 and 50 gigs and visiting such far-flung places as Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. 'To do that was really bucket-stuff list that I didn't have on a bucket-list', he acknowledges. 'In my head, or my heart, I'd love to play with Iggy Pop, I'd love to play with the Sex Pistols, I'd love to play with the Skids. It's not like a bucket-list thing you think is achievable, like climbing the Eiffel Tower or visiting the Pyramids or sailing down the Amazon. I never thought I'd visit Australia, or New Zealand – a lovely place - or Hong Kong. These were fantastic places. In Hong Kong, I thought, how the hell did I end up here? I really didn't know what it was going to be like'. Martin and his bands – Goodbye Mr Mackenzie and the Filthy Tongues – are gearing up for a busy August and beyond. He is no doubt hoping that at none of the forthcoming gigs does the temperature match that at GMM's gig at Glasgow's Oran Mor a week ago last Friday. 'It's probably the hottest gig we've ever played', he says. 'Twenty-seven degrees in the soundcheck and possibly 30 degrees during the performance. In the end it was one of the very best gigs, and great because it was shared by us and the audience. 'People will ask in years to come, 'Remember that insanely hot gig in Oran Mor?' and I will. It was a night to remember for many reasons'. * The Filthy Tongues play The Famous Spiegeltent Presents: Sounds of Scotland, in the St Andrew Square Gardens hub, Edinburgh, on August 13, 9.30pm. – August 1,2 and 3, Cardross Estate, Cardross, Port of Menteith. RUSSELL LEADBETTER
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Vine's favourite UK seaside town that he's visited for 20 years
The BBC Radio 2 host has been visiting the same seaside town in Devon for over two decades, and loves it so much that he included it in his debut murder mystery novel Devon has long been a beloved hideaway for famous faces, with comedian Jennifer Saunders, property expert Kirstie Allsopp, and artist Damien Hirst among those with homes in the area. Broadcaster Jeremy Vine is another high-profile fan, having frequented the charming seaside town of Sidmouth for over 20 years, describing it as his 'summer place'. In an article for The Guardian, the 60-year-old BBC Radio 2 host revealed how, following his 2002 wedding to Rachel Schofield in nearby Tipton St John, he keeps returning to Sidmouth. Vine's love for the town is such that he features a scene set on its coastline in his debut murder mystery novel, Murder On Line One, where a character saves his manager after a "massive wave" sweeps them out to sea. Describing Devon as "a place to leave the real world behind", the father-of-two also name-checked Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary, Newton Poppleford and Branscombe Beach among his favourite spots. But he said: "It's Sidmouth I come back to. After getting married close by, it became our summer place." Among Vine's go-to spots in Sidmouth are the historic Jacob's Ladder, the world-famous Donkey Sanctuary, and the Clock Tower Cafe, where he treats himself to a 'supersize-me cake', reports the Express. " Over the years, we came down summer after summer, Christmas after Christmas, for R&R in the muddy Devon air," he said. "Our two kids arrived. It became their go-to bucket-and-spade location: I recently heard a psychologist explain how a regular family holiday location is 'good for children's mental health', and wondered why she never mentioned adults. "What I love most about Sidmouth is that it feels like a town going places. It's not a classic sandy beach - a single triangle of brown sand is revealed at low tide, and that's your lot - but you feel you're facing proper sea, with heavy weather triggering waves that crash against rocks by the promenade." He added: "It's chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real. And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty. "Brits need proximity to the ocean. In Sidmouth, you're virtually in it." Jeremy Vine's latest novel, Murder On Line One, is currently available on Amazon for £10.
Axios
03-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
See inside The Pearl, home to Charlotte's first medical school
The Pearl, a massive new development in midtown housing Charlotte's first four-year medical school, opened its doors Monday. Why it matters: The Pearl promises to be a transformational development for Charlotte, drawing in medical students, creating new jobs in science and research, and fostering cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurialism. By the numbers: Phase 1 A cost more than $1 billion. Wexford Science + Technology is the developer for the project. The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County approved incentives worth $75 million total for the project that will unfold over the next decade. What to expect: The Pearl will serve as: Wake Forest University School of Medicine's Charlotte campus. Forty-eight students will start medical school there this fall. Class size is expected to increase to 100 students per class over the next five years. IRCAD's North American headquarters, which will open in September. The France-based surgical training institute's local surgical training curriculum will focus on cardiovascular, neuro and orthopedic surgeries. A hub housing STEM activities for students as young as fifth grade, starting this fall. A space for community events, from outdoor movies and live music to yoga in nearby Peal Street Park. Between the lines: The Pearl sits in what was formerly Brooklyn — once Charlotte's largest Black neighborhood. The neighborhood was razed in the name of urban renewal in the 1960s and '70s. There are nods to Brooklyn throughout The Pearl, from the name itself to "The Purposeful Walk," a self-guided walk through Brooklyn's history, outside the main building. The section in front of The Pearl's is known as Jacob's Ladder, a reference to the fire escape at Myers Street School, which educated Black children and was known as the Jacob's Ladder school. During the opening celebration Monday, attendees participated in paint by numbers, filling in a section of the Savoy Theatre mural, which was once a theater in Brooklyn. What's next: The existing portion of The Pearl is Phase 1 A. Phase 1 B will include the construction of a hotel, which will break ground this fall. There will also be a multi-family residential and an additional road. This will be privately funded. A restaurant that will be open to the public is expected to debut in the next 12-14 months with an announcement on the restaurant tenant coming this summer. The innovation district currently has roughly 700,000 square feet built and space for up to 4 million square feet. The bottom line:"If you build it they will come," Advocate Health CEO Gene Woods said, quoting the film "Field of Dreams." "Well we built it, and they're coming." Take a look around.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country Star, 51, Mourns a Terrible Loss
Country Star, 51, Mourns a Terrible Loss originally appeared on Parade. A country star posted a tribute on Thursday, May 29, to a fallen friend of his. Mark Wills, 51, the singer behind such country hits as "Jacob's Ladder," "Places I've Never Been," "I Do (Cherish You)," "Don't Laugh at Me," "Wish You Were Here," "Back at One" and "19 Somethin'", is mourning the loss of his friend Bernard Kerik. "Sad to learn of the passing of Bernard Kerik," wrote Wills on Instagram. "I met him a couple of years ago and we stayed in touch. I hate that we will never get to enjoy some of those plans that we made. Rest easy, Sir." Kerik died May 29 at the age of 69, according to ABC News. He was the commissioner of the New York Police Department during the September 11 attacks in 2001. He later pleaded guilty to tax fraud and served three years in prison before being pardoned by President Trump. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani paid tribute to Kerik on his show Thursday, saying, "We've been together since the beginning. He's like my brother. I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man.' Other tributes came pouring in as the news broke. Podcast host Gary Brugman wrote on Instagram, "I'm at a loss of words finding out that a man I've admired for decades suddenly passed away. I'm heartbroken, devastated and rattled by his death. I'm honored to have known Bernard K. Kerik and call him a friend and a bro since 2020. I'm staying prayed up for his family who loved him so much. Bernie was a role model, and became a friend and a brother to me. Rest Easy, Commissioner. Thank you for your Bravery, Service, Guidance and Friendship. We'll take it from here. 🫡." The Blue Magazine founder, Daniel Del Valle, wrote, "Today, the world, our nation, and the law enforcement community lost a remarkable leader. This was the last photo of our mentor and friend, Bernard Kerik, captured by The Blue Magazine on April 10, 2025. We are deeply grateful for the work we shared and the memories we created. His legacy will live on through our continued commitment to the values he stood for. Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time." Country Star, 51, Mourns a Terrible Loss first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside UK's ‘world-first' adventure park with high-swinging ropes over go-karting
SWING ABOUT Inside UK's 'world-first' adventure park with high-swinging ropes over go-karting Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 'world first' adventure park featuring high ropes over a go kart track has opened in the UK today. The 20-pole course at Hull Adventure centre will see punters navigate tricky obstacles in mid-air, whilst go karts speed along beneath them. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The high ropes course is a "world first" The exhilarating trail also finishes with a 100m zip line, perfect for adventure lovers. The adventure centre has also unveiled new Jacob's Ladder and crate stack courses, perfect for school groups wanting to improve team building skills. John Haines, manager at Hull Adventure Centre, said: "This is fantastic that we're able to welcome bookings for the new high ropes course. "In just over a year, we've significantly expanded our offering to provide a wide range of activities to suit everyone, from youth sectors, voluntary organisations and businesses. Ali Glendinning, director of High-Low Ropes Course Consulting Ltd, revealed that the course is the first of its kind. "This track is completely bespoke to not just Hull, but anywhere in the world," he said. "There is no other high ropes facility which is suspended over a karting track in the world, so to design it around the track layout was a unique challenge." Last year, Hull Adventure Centre celebrated 20 years of go-karting, by adding bubble football, tag archery and dodgeball to the site. This comes after plans were submitted to build a park with wakeboarding, open water swimming and a free children's play area on the Devon-Cornwall border. A couple, Mel and Ed, revealed they want to transform their farmland found near the village of Lifton into a fun adventure park. New theme world at paulton's park On their website that illustrates what the potential park will look like, they said: "Our dream is to transform this farmland into a stunning park that offers a plethora of activities both on and off newly dug lakes. "Picture this: a cozy café, scenic walking paths, and communal areas nestled alongside exhilarating water-based activities like swimming, paddle-boarding, wakeboarding, and an aqua park." At the moment, the park is only in the early stages with planning permission still needing to be granted. They have also asked for feedback from the community and local businesses. A new adventure park also opened in Newhaven Fort earlier this year, as part of a £7.5 million renovation. The park is a "celebration of Victorian innovation' which mirrors the fort's history. There is a large tubular slide attached to a Victorian "dirigible" - a blimp like structure. The is also a steam crane-inspired lookout tower, with a secret entrance for kids. The sheltered play area is called Ardagh's workshop, named after the Fort's original architect, Lieutenant John Charles Ardagh. Designer, Jono Burgess said: "Since the Fort was built in the Victorian era, we wanted to celebrate the ingenuity and inventive spirit of the 1800s. "Our goal is to design and build an inclusive adventure playground which kids will want to return to again and again to challenge themselves, make new friends and have fun."
