Latest news with #Spies
Extra.ie
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Fan frenzy as tickets for Robbie Williams' sold-out Croke Park gig back on sale
Limited tickets for Robbie Williams's live show at Dublin's Croke Park on August 23 have just been made available for purchase. His upcoming stadium tour is in support of his upcoming record Britpop his first studio album in over 6 yearswhich will be released October 10. Just this week, the former Take That frontman shared the latest single of his new record, 'Spies,' following the release of 'Rocket' in May. 'I set out to create the album that I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995. It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British music,' said Williams in an interview with Clash after announcing the forthcoming record in May. 'There's some 'Brit' in there, and there's certainly some 'pop' tooI'm immensely proud of this as a body of work, and I'm excited for fans to hear this album,' he added. Manchester band The Lottery Winners and rockers ELBOW will be acting as support acts for the 'Angels' singer next month. A limited number of tickets for Robbie Williams's Dublin show on August 23 are now available via
Metro
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Robbie Williams releasing the album he wanted to after quitting Take That
Robbie Williams has reflected on his shock departure from Take That ahead of the release of Britpop, his first album of new material in nine years. The Angels singer, 51, joined the chart-topping boy band in the 1990s, alongside Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange. Take That had almost unparalleled success and left their mark on the UK charts forever, landing a whopping eight number one singles between 1993 and 1996. But the good times couldn't last, and Robbie sensationally left the group in 1995, devastating their fans so much that the Samaritans opened up a helpline. As a solo artist, Robbie came into his own almost immediately, with his 1997 debut album Life Thru a Lens going straight to number one in the UK albums chart and a cover of George Michael's Freedom becoming a hit. He's now revealed that upcoming studio release Britpop is closer in style to 'the album he wanted to make' upon leaving the group, which he appears to think didn't go far enough. Ahead of the release of his new single Spies, he said: '[With Britpop] I set out to create the album that I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995. It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British music. 'The new record is raw, there are more guitars and it's even more upbeat and anthemic than usual. I'm immensely proud of this as a body of work and I'm excited for fans to hear this album.' The big singles from Life Thru a Lens paid tribute to the Britpop sound, with songs like Let Me Entertain You prioritising rock instrumentation over the pop ballads Take That had become known for. From there, he became one of the most recognisable faces in British pop culture and eventually had his life story turned into musical biopic film Better Man. His success as a solo artist ultimately led him back to Take That, when he briefly rejoined the reformed group for their 2010 album Progress and its subsequent tour. But it appears that despite the fast and successful start to his solo career, Robbie may have wanted things to play out a little differently behind the scenes. The Rock DJ hitmaker only left Take That after being reprimanded for partying with Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel of Oasis, of which Robbie was a huge admirer. While Life Thru a Lens featured Oasis-inspired songs, like Lazy Days and Old Before I Die, the album contained a number of softer songs too – and it seems Robbie wanted things to be louder and heavier than they were. In 2013, Robbie spoke about the album and its tour to BBC Radio 4's Mastertapes series, saying: 'I'm a cabaret artist. For about five minutes in 1997 I wished to be [Radiohead singer] Thom Yorke and Liam Gallagher. More Trending It was ultimately the ballad Angels that became the biggest hit from the album, catapulting Robbie to international fame after its release as a single in late 1997. However, it would take until his second album, I've Been Expecting You, for Robbie to land his first number one, with 1998 single Millennium – the song was co-written by Robbie's frequent collaborator Guy Chambers. While I've Been Expecting You again acknowledged the Britpop sound of Oasis, the album's sound prioritised more pop-oriented instrumentation after the success of Angels. Robbie's album Britpop releases on October 10, 2025. 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: Story about Kiss Cam Guy has taken a bizarre twist with a dash of denial MORE: Steamiest 90s erotic film confirmed for 'unnecessary' reboot with a twist MORE: Bob Vylan singer slams Damon Albarn as 'out of touch' after Glastonbury criticism
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Manor Gardens prodigy shines at prestigious music competition
AT just 11 years old Adriaan Spies, a musical prodigy from Manor Gardens, is already making waves in the South African classical music scene. The Grade Five Manor Gardens Primary School learner is one of only three primary school children from KZN selected to participate in the 2025 Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, an event that gathers 44 talented young musicians from across Southern Africa. Now in its 36th year, the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition is organised and presented by the Tygerberg branch of the SA Society of Music Teachers (SASMT). The competition, which has grown into the most prestigious of its kind in SA and Namibia, offers a unique opportunity for children aged 13 and younger to compete against their peers. The rigorous programme demanded of participants ensures a high standard of quality is maintained, while providing them with a platform from which to gain invaluable performance experience. It was a challenge that Adriaan happily took on. His mother, Marguerite Spies, said preparation for the competition was no small feat. Together with his former piano teacher, Margrit Deppe, Adriaan began selecting and practising his repertoire in 2024. 'Preparing for a competition like this takes time and regular, diligent practise,' said Spies as she described Adriaan's competition journey. 'At the end of April Adriaan had recorded his audition and submitted it to the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition.' Also Read: UKZN music lecturer announces release of eighth album Now, under the guidance of his current teacher, Marga Roloff, he is preparing a total of six piano pieces for the October event. For his audition, Adriaan showcased his versatility by performing the energetic Solfeggio in C minor by C.P.E. Bach, a piece known for its technical demands, as well as a lively, jazzy composition titled Village in May. Though the audition was conducted via video recording rather than in front of a live audience, Adriaan enjoyed the unique experience. 'He enjoyed the process of recording himself and choosing which take to submit for the audition,' said Spies. Reflecting on her son's dedication, Spies said, 'We are very proud of Adriaan's music achievements and the regular hard work he puts into learning his instruments. We can see that he enjoys his music and will continue to support him on his musical journey.' Hilda Boonzaaier, chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerberg branch), applauded all the participants of the 36th Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition. She said, 'If the quality of the auditions is a prediction of what we are about to experience at the 36th Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, we are in for a big treat. Congratulations to our successful candidates! We exhort you to work hard for this very special event. Dear supporters, be sure to join us! You can look forward to be wowed by the most exceptional talent this country has to offer.' The competition week will run from September 30 to October 4 at the Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University (SU). Participants vie for top honours during the competition week and cash prizes exceeding R100 000 are up for grabs. The competition final will be live streamed on October 4 on YouTube. To join the audience at the Endler Hall, tickets will be available through Webtickets. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Metro
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Robbie Williams drops major hint he's making surprise Glastonbury appearance
Robbie Williams has convinced fans he's planning a surprise set at Glastonbury. The Rock DJ hitmaker, who is in the midst of his Britpop summer tour, has got everyone talking after sharing a photo of a new plaque commemorating his wild weekend partying with Liam Gallagher at Worthy Farm in 1995. He shared a photo of the tongue in cheek plaque, which reads: 'Robbie Williams entered this area without accreditation, authorisation, or alignment with prevailing taste. 'His presence was uninvited, unofficial and ultimately inevitable.' What really got the rumour mill going even more was his caption, as he teased: '30 YEARS LATER… 🕵️♂️' Not surprisingly, fans have gone wild at the idea, particularly with a 30-min slot unaccounted for on the Pyramid stage at 4:55pm this afternoon. 'I dare yaaaaa! 🙈😂 I know there is a massive chance you are on the wind up but would be so iconic 💫,' wrote @LeanneP18604 on X, as @JayStill4 asked: '30 years later blue plaque in the backstage area Is @robbiewilliams the secret act this year?' Another fan, @Sophia_dreams58, gave him the Sunday name treatment, replying: 'ROBERT ARE YOU AT GLASTO 😱 (sic)' Meanwhile, @jame_2206 pondered: 'So… What's going on? Glasto-post, he's free today (Belgium is tomorrow) and this strange TBA slot on today's lineup (although time and duration are a bit odd).' Over on Instagram, people were loving that Robbie dropped hints of a new guitar-heavy song Spies on the post. Haim, Pulp, Lewis Capaldi and The Wombats are also among those rumoured for a potential secret set. The former Take That star has only played Glastonbury once before, when he graced the Pyramid Stage in 1998, belting out the likes of Let Me Entertain You, Lazy Days, Live Thru A Lens and Angels. Three years earlier, Robbie and then-pal Liam reportedly spent a weekend together at Glastonbury shortly before he quit the boy band. 'I went to Glastonbury to begin what I didn't know was to be the start of my new life. When I was there, I hung out with this lot,' he said before playing Oasis hit Don't Look Back In Anger at London's O2 Arena in 2022. The friendship didn't last long after Liam's brother and bitter rival Noel Gallagher branded the Better Man star 'the fat dancer from Take That'. Robbie got his own back when he sent a wreath to the brothers after his 2003 concerts at Knebworth beat their record by selling out three shows in a row. A few years later, Liam started dating Nicole Appleton – who was Robbie's ex-girlfriend. More Trending During an appearance at the Brit Awards in 2000, the rivalry reached its peak when the Feel singer cheekily offered to fight the Don't Look Back In Anger star for £100,000. Now, he's on his Britpop summer stint to promote his album of the same name right as the Gallagher brothers are about to start their own reunion tour. Never change, Robbie. 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: Glastonbury performers share update after lead singer falls ill before show MORE: Kneecap 'hopeful' their US visa won't get revoked after terror charge MORE: Hungover at Glastonbury? The 'quick fix' cures that actually work
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Tiny endangered species returns home ‘more resilient than ever' after CA wildfire
Ten days after the start of a deadly California wildfire, researchers rushed to a lagoon — one that held a tiny endangered species. 'Armed with three Coleman coolers, hand nets and larger, weighted 'seine' nets,' faculty member Brenton Spies and student Sophia Hoolihan traveled 'to the shores of the Topanga Lagoon' in the Santa Monica Mountains on Jan. 17, California State University Channel Islands said in a June 18 news release. The hope was to rescue a group of northern tidewater gobies 'before the debris flow came down,' Hoolihan, who recently graduated, said in the release. 'We had to kind of jump on a call and make it all happen really fast,' Spies said . A group of biologists managed to rescue the fish 'from one of their few remaining natural habitats,' the Aquarium of the Pacific said in a news release. And now, after the fish spent five months at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Heal the Bay Aquarium, 'a crisis that began with the Los Angeles fires came full circle,' the university said. 'They've returned back to their homes more resilient than ever,' Aquarium of the Pacific aquarist Stacy Hammond said in the release. The rescue and return home After meeting in Santa Monica, the team, which included multiple wildlife agencies, headed to the lagoon in 'about seven or eight cars,' said Hoolihan, who had been researching the fish as part of her senior capstone project. 'We had to get a bunch of ice chests, travel to the lagoon and then sort which fish we could take,' Spies said. As two people held a net, others would 'walk out 10 feet or so' into the lagoon, Hoolihan said. Then, they placed the fish into 5-gallon buckets, where someone sorted 'them using handheld nets, looking for fungal disease,' she said. 'One fish with fungal disease can spread,' Hoolihan said. Once the fish were sorted, the team transported them to the aquariums, which cared for them until June 17, the university said. 'They were kind of on a vacation, getting fed twice a day, with no stress of predators,' Spies said. During their months-long stay, the fish prospered. 'This group of fish are small but mighty, and they have physically grown so much during their time here,' Hammond said. Though the fish's lagoon was 'significantly impacted by sedimentation from the fire,' there is now 'sufficient habitat ... allowing these hardy fish to be safely returned to their natural habitat,' the aquarium said. 'The fish are doing really well,' Spies said. Their return home was 'significant,' as, prior to the Palisades Fire, the lagoon 'supported the healthiest and most consistently abundant northern tidewater goby population in Los Angeles County,' according to the aquarium. The species' rescue, though, affects more than just their own population's survival. 'It's not just this one individual fish that we're trying to save,' Spies said in a video shared by the Aquarium of the Pacific on Facebook. 'It's the health of these ecosystems.' 'Keystone species' Although it may be 'easy to dismiss the relatively unimpressive gobies,' which are about 2 inches long and live less than a year, 'they are a critical link in the health of the overall environment,' the university said. 'They're so small and they don't have the vibrant colors everybody wants in their aquarium, but they are so important to the ecosystem,' Spies said. 'They really are a keystone species. They hold the food web together.' The fish's 'presence or absence can signal the health of the entire system, including coastal food webs and lagoon habitats,' the aquarium said. While once abundant in Southern California lagoons, 'loss of habitat, drought and introduction of non-native predators have taken a toll on the tidewater gobies,' according to the university. In 2017, Spies pushed to have the species relocated from 'from the Topanga Lagoon to other locations in order to increase their numbers,' the university said. 'There are very few of us who study the tidewater goby even though it's endangered,' Spies said. 'Very few scientists are permitted to collect them so it's a niche I've had to maintain.' The university, along with the Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains, will continue to monitor the fish 'to ensure their survival,' the aquarium said.
