Latest news with #JohnByrne
ABC News
21-07-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Snow falls on Bluff Knoll in WA's Stirling Range National Park
The prospect of a light dusting of snow on one of Western Australia's highest peaks has drawn hikers from hundreds of kilometres away. Visitors from as far as Perth made the hike up Bluff Knoll in WA's Great Southern region on Monday, the only location in the state to routinely see snow. While the mercury did not dip as low as predicted, near-freezing temperatures allowed for a slight covering of snow, rewarding hikers who made the 1,100-metre climb. "We timed it really well ... when we got up there, the cloud closed around us a little bit and then it started snowing on us, which was awesome," hiker Jamie Titmuss said. "For what we experienced up there, even having a drink at some of the waterfalls that are coming down in various spots up there, that was sensational as well." Bunbury hikers Finn and Mia were among those who woke in the early hours to trek to the peak, starting their ascent at about 4am. Braving icy cold temperatures and strong winds, the hikers were delighted with their experience at the top. "It's massive ... we could nearly go skiing. We made a snowman," Finn said. At Mt Trio Bush Camp at the base of the peak, operator John Byrne told the ABC he was looking forward to an influx of hikers dropping in to the "ski lodge" to pick up their Bluff Knoll Ski Club membership. Entry to the tongue-in-cheek club is simple — all they need to do is touch powder during their climb. "Apparently, there are flurries of snow up there," Mr Byrne said. "Nobody has come back to the ski lodge this morning yet, but there is a lady who wants to pack a thermos of snow and bring it back to the lodge as proof that she's touched the powder and she's going to be a member." The Bureau of Meteorology said another cold front in the coming days should create ideal snow conditions on Thursday. "This also looks like it's got a decent cold pool behind it and the timing looks a little more user-friendly as well, perhaps, the coldest temperatures at some time during Thursday daytime," meteorologist Jessica Lingard said.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jim Shooter, Marvel Editor-In-Chief Through Crucial 80s Era, Dies At 73
Controversial Marvel writer/editor Jim Shooter Jim Shooter, who began his career writing comics at age 14 and guided Marvel Comics through one of its most creatively and commercially successful eras as editor-in-chief in the 1980s, died today at age 73 after a long fight with esophageal cancer. Shooter took over Marvel Comics in the late 1970s when the comics industry was transitioning from mass market newsstand distribution to direct market sales to comic shops. He quickly grasped the opportunity of selling to long-time fans rather than casual consumers, leaning into Marvel's dense story universe and encouraging creators to move the medium in more challenging directions. Thanks to the breakout success of the X-Men by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, the signature title of Shooter's reign, Marvel began a rise that saw the company bring in exciting young creators like Frank Miller, Walter Simonson and Bill Sienkiewicz, experiment with new formats like original graphic novels and trade book collections, spike sales with annual 'events' and mini-series, and attract a new generation to a medium that many thought would not survive beyond the 1970s. At one point during Shooter's tenure, Marvel sales were estimated at over 80% of the entire US comic book market. But that success came, 80s style, with sharp elbows and attitude. Shooter had strong opinions about how to make comics and he leaned hard on the company's talent to execute according to his vision. His tenure was marked by stories of creative blowups and controversies, including his insistence that the X-Men character Phoenix had to die to atone for crimes she committed in the story, over the objections of the creative team. In 1987, after Marvel had been acquired by New World Pictures, Shooter, whose welcome was already wearing thin, was fired for demanding editorial autonomy and the payment of royalties. 'He really polarized people, but it was because he had a passion for what he was doing,' said Bill Sienkiewicz, who drew Moon Knight and New Mutants during the 1980s. 'He went to bat for freelancers in a way you don't see many people in editorial roles do today.' Shooter broke into comics at age 14, submitting scripts to DC's Superboy and the Legion of Super Heroes. His first credited work was published in Adventure Comics #346, published in July, 1966, and he became a fan-favorite for bringing a fresh, authentic teenage voice to a comic about teenage heroes. Shooter worked in a number of jobs in comics through the 1970s until he caught on as an assistant editor and writer at Marvel in 1976. Stan Lee had left day-to-day editorial and publishing roles several years before, succeeded by a series of young writer-editors who had difficulty with the managerial responsibilities. The company was brimming with energy, but lacked direction. Short-lived books, missed deadlines and other issues exacerbated challenges the business was already facing amid the inflation and economic turmoil of the era. In January, 1978, Shooter was named Marvel's 9th editor-in-chief, implementing a series of strict measures designed to restore luster to the so-called 'House of Ideas.' Some responded to the challenge by creating some of their best work. Others bristled under his uncompromising style. 'As many people have been saying, Jim was complicated," said 80s-era Marvel writer and editor Danny Fingeroth. "I've always thought that without him and Frank Miller, and regardless of the many other amazingly-talented people at the company, Marvel might not have survived into the 1980s.' Following his ouster, Shooter reemerged with a new company, Voyager Communications, which launched the Valient Comics imprint. Once again, his tenure was marked by creative highs and lows, and he was fired again in 1992. As independent comics led by the Image imprint, founded by a bunch of young Marvel veterans, flourished, Shooter tried again and again with the likes of Defiant Comics, Broadway Comics, and Acclaim Comics. None of them survived the decade. Shooter continued doing work inside and outside the industry over the past quarter century. He offered commentary on comics history on his blog, and was often a featured guest at comic book conventions, where fans remembered the high points of his career and often ignored the lows. 'We played poker for years, rose to very different but significant positions in comics,' said Paul Levitz, who also gained popularity writing Legion of Super Heroes, then occupied a series of leadership positions at DC Comics including Publisher and President, during Shooter's years in the business. 'We competed sometimes (didn't think he could get Marvel's management to follow our lead and start royalties since it would be much more expensive for them, but he did). We watched each other, learned from each other, occasionally conspired [to help creators in need], each championed the comic shop market within our companies in very different ways.' As word of his death began spreading on social media the evening of June 30, several generations of creators have posted to honor his legacy and recognize the contributions that this towering figure left on the industry.
The Irish Sun
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Carter ‘devastated' as he leads tributes to ‘beautiful' mum-of-two following sudden death
NATHAN Carter has led heartfelt tributes following the sudden death of a mum-of-two who has been remembered as "a beautiful person inside and out". Christine O'Gorman, originally from Bulgaden in Co Advertisement 3 Christine O'Gorman sadly passed away 'unexpectedly at home' Credit: 3 Nathan Carter paid tribute to Christine Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 The talented photographer was married to musician John Byrne Credit: Facebook/@JohnByrn Band The talented photographer was married to musician, composer and arranger John Byrne. Byrne has worked alongside many music legends including He's also a long-time collaborator of country star The singer posted an emotional message where he described the mum-of-two as "lovely" and "talented". Advertisement READ MORE ON NATHAN CARTER He wrote: "Deepest sympathies to our friend & work colleague John Byrne, his children Aaron & Caelainn & all of their extended family on the very sudden passing of their beloved Christine. "I had the pleasure of working with Christine in the past. She was a lovely person and an extremely talented photographer. "Myself, band & crew are devastated to hear of this heartbreaking news and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May Christine R.I.P." Christine's untimely death has left her loved ones heartbroken with many tributes pouring in for the Offaly-based photographer. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN A close friend said: "My deepest condolences to John, Aaron, Caelainn, Pat and Anne; your family and friends on the sad passing of Christine. In school Christine was kind, considerate and a person of wonderful abilities. May she rest in peace." Another added: "Sincere condolences to John, Aaron, Caelainn, Christine's family and all who knew and loved her. I've such fond memories of Christine in school and after, always up for a chat and a laugh. You're in our thoughts x." RTE Late Late Show viewers all praise Toy Show star as he returns with 'brilliant' performance alongside Nathan Carter A third tribute read: "Oh Anne and family I'm so very sorry to hear such sad news, Christine was a beautiful person inside and out my her very gentle soul rest in peace." A fourth wrote: "So, so sorry to hear the passing of Christine . A beautiful young girl taken way to soon. Our deepest sympathy to Ann, Dave, Pat, and to all Christine's extended family. May she rest in eternal peace - Aidan & Shirley Fitzgerald Kilfinane." Advertisement Another added: "So sad to hear the news of Christine's passing. What a beautiful woman gone too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time x." 'GONE TOO SOON' Christine will repose at her home on Sunday from 2pm until 6pm. Her removal will take place on Monday morning at 10.30am to St. Colman's Church in Mucklagh, with Funeral Mass at 11am. Following the mass, she will be brough to Newlands Cross Crematorium in Advertisement Christine will be sadly missed and always remembered by her heartbroken family, husband John, children Aaron and Caelainn, parents Pat and Anne, stepparent's Dave (Lawlor) and Sarah. She is also deeply mourned by her sister Rachael, brothers Darren, Cian, Kristian and Joshua, sisters in law Margaret, Jamie and Holly, her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and many many friends.
Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Times
Births, marriages and deaths: May 14, 2025
IN every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5.18 (AV) Bible verses are provided by the Bible Society BYRNEJohn on 21st April 2025, aged 79 Peacefully after a long illness. Well-respected archivist. Brother to Edmund, Uncle to Lucy and Tom, Friend to many, Dedicated fundraiser. A memorial service will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Penshurst, on Thursday 5th June at 2.30pm. After the service there will be a celebration of John's life in the Baron's Hall at Penshurst Place. Donations if desired to Blond McIndoe Research Foundation. GURDONGillian Margaret (née Thomson) died on 9th May 2025, aged 88. Treasured wife of the late Brigadier Adam Gurdon and beloved mother
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rare John Byrne painting of The Beatles sells for more than £27,000
A rare painting of The Beatles by the late John Byrne has sold for £27,700 at auction, almost double its original estimate. In the painting, created in 1969, Byrne represented each Beatle seated beside a 'spirit animal' while Yoko Ono is seen in a crystal ball held by John Lennon. The artwork, estimated at £10,000 to £15,000, sold for £27,700 (including buyer's premium) when it went under the hammer at Lyon & Turnbull on Wednesday. It was one of ten early Byrne works bought from the artist by his local parish priest, Father Tom Jamieson in Renfrew, Renfrewshire, in the early 1970s which were sold by the auction house in its Contemporary Art sale. Paisley-born Byrne, creator of TV show Tutti Frutti and the play The Slab Boys, died on November 30, 2023 aged 83. Charlotte Riordan, Lyon & Turnbull's head of contemporary & post-war art, said: 'This is an amazing collection of John Byrne's work. Father Jamieson clearly had a keen eye for artistic talent, seeing great promise in a man who would go on to make his own distinctive and indelible mark on Scottish, and indeed British, cultural life. 'The Beatles painting was a precursor to a larger version, created for his 1969 December show at London's Portal Gallery. 'This was a reference and reaction to the fact that Portal attracted a star-studded clientele, with some of the biggest names in British showbusiness at the time becoming frequent visitors. Clients included; Julie Christie, Michael Caine, David Niven, David Bailey, The Beatles – particularly Ringo Starr who is thought to own 'Patrick' paintings – and Brian Epstein. 'The painting was purchased by the art director and graphic designer Alan Aldridge, who went on to use it as the frontispiece to The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics, published in 1969. It was later used as the cover of The Beatles Ballads LP 12 years later. 'Rumours suggest the original large-scale work was lost by EMI records, and so this work being offered for sale by Lyon & Turnbull is a rare surviving early version. 'There is only one other known example, in a private collection in America.' All works in the collection of Father Tom Jamieson were produced during Byrne's 'Patrick' era, during which the Glasgow School of Art graduate signed the majority of his work with his father's first name and pretended to be a 'primitive' self-taught artist to attract the interest of the London art world. Byrne became friends with Father Jamieson when the artist and his family lived on Paisley Road, Renfrew, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bonding over a shared love of music and culture. The priest bought work from Byrne, who worked from his studio garage in the back garden. The sale also featured a piece commissioned by Scottish folk musician Donovan in 1971 for the cover of HMS Donovan, an album of children's songs which sold for £6,300. Other works in the sale include the large painting Homage a Hockney – 1970, which sold for £18,900 with all prices including buyer's premium. It was created to coincide with David Hockney's major retrospective exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery, London, in 1969-1970. Byrne's daughter Celie Byrne, also an artist, spoke of Father Jamieson and George Harrison visiting their house while she and her brother were small. In an interview filmed for Lyon & Turnbull's social media platforms, she said: 'I remember Father Jamieson from when I was tiny. He would come round to the house quite regularly. 'They would sit and talk about work, and he went out to the garage looking at my dad's artwork and what he was working on. 'I just remember him being really lovely and I always remember his stripy scarf.' She added: 'We were wee obviously but apparently George Harrison came to the house twice in Renfrew for dinner.'
