Latest news with #Spiteri
Irish Examiner
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Kaleidoscope review: Texas among the highlights of family-focused festival in Wicklow
'I see a lot of children on shoulders,' Sharleen Spiteri shouts to the crowd. And she's right. From the first strain of I Don't Want A Lover, the main field at Kaleidoscope is wild for Texas. 'Irish children are just like Scottish children,' she says, arms outstretched, feeling the momentum from an adoring audience. Kaleidoscope, the country's family version of Electric Picnic, is celebrating five years and they have struck gold with this main act to mark the milestone. It's just two years since Texas played the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury and Spiteri's stage presence is every bit as electric at Wicklow's Russborough House. There's chat, banter and pure divilment between each song, every interaction peppered with a good natured expletive from the Scottish singer. She throws plectrums to the kids on the field, they in return cast balloons on to the stage. The crowd can't get enough. Sharleen Spiteri and Texas on stage at Kaleidoscope at Russborough House, Co Wicklow. Her voice is as powerful and pitch perfect as it was over three decades ago when they first found fame with the bluesy anthem I Don't Want A Lover. The hits keep coming - Summer Son, Say What You Want - and a floor raising finale: Elvis Presley's Caught In A Trap. With a vibrant green guitar in hand, matching her personality, Spiteri is a dynamic stage presence, and a Kaleidoscope highlight. Other acts over the three-day festival included Ocean Colour Scene, headlining on Friday night, belting out classics The Riverboat Song and The Day We Caught The Train, while The Coronas were the final band to take to the main stage on Sunday night. Day time performances included Jerry Fish's rousing set, The Riptide Movement and an appearance by Cork's Allie Sherlock. The RSA's Seatbelt Sheriff at Kaleidoscope with Cillian Murphy, Luca Murphy and dad Con Murphy. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke The Zozimus music stage became the festival's dancefloor all weekend long, with ABBAesque, Daft Punk Tribute, These Charming Men and DJ sets. Beyond the music, families immersed themselves in family areas and stages, from treehouse building workshops from Dermot Bannon, science experiments with Mark The Science Guy, fire acts by Fierce Fire Show, illustration workshops with Steve Simpson, and baby rave parties with Move with Carla. Budding chefs rolled up their sleeves at the Scrumdiddlyumptious Festival of Food, while the National Reptile Zoo brought along lizards to hold. Strolling through the festival fields, there's storytelling, face painting, big wheels, bumper cars and marching bands. A festival like no other, this is Electric Picnic cool - created with children centrestage.
STV News
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
It's no surprise Texas are back at Belladrum, they've always oozed cool
I grew up loving Texas and, in particular, Sharleen Spiteri. To me, she oozed cool. She looked so different from anyone else I'd seen on TV – beautiful with an edge – and her voice was incredible. I liked how she looked like she wouldn't stand for any nonsense – I'm putting that politely there. And she was Scottish – instantly my hero. I told her I thought this the first time I interviewed her a few years ago (fangirled) to which she loudly laughed, saying: 'I was not cool! I was a geek!' Geek or not, she's been making music with Texas for almost 40 years and can't wait to hit the road again this summer with a host of festival performances across Europe on the cards. 'I'm laughing. I'm calling it my four-day week. My four-day week tour,' said Spiteri. 'That's the dream. It's the total dream. I say to the family: 'It's like I work Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Any other day don't annoy me because I'll be recuperating.'' Among those festival dates is a return to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in the Highlands, where Texas will headline on Saturday August 2, celebrating 21 years of the northern soiree. 'It's such a good festival and the last time we played I think was 2011,' said Spiteri. 'And I have to say I'm really proud that we were in there quite early and that we've been invited back. 'I really enjoy playing in the open air – I love playing with the wind in your face. You get plenty of that at Balladrum!' It's no surprise Texas have been invited back though. With a plethora of hits including Black Eyed Boy, I Don't Want a Lover and Halo, to name but a few, the band provide the perfect singalong vibe for all ages. Never was this more prevalent than when they played two nights at the Hydro last year. Despite having performed on some of the most revered stages around the world, including an amazing Glastonbury performance, Sharleen admitted the Hydro moment was special. 'The first night we walked out on stage, we couldn't hear,' she said. 'The crowd were so loud. It was like a wave of love. I feel emotional even talking about it now.' Emotions were especially high for Sharleen due to two important faces being absent in the crowd. Having lost both her parents in the past few years, she said: 'My mum and dad would have been so proud.' The fact they're no longer here truly hits home for Sharleen whenever she returns to Glasgow, but her sister and family are always on hand with home comforts to help. 'That's what I like to do,' said Spiteri. 'I go to my sister's. Last night, after rehearsals, she got a pot of soup on and a slice of plain bread with loads of butter.' Sounds pretty perfect. And when she's not working? Sharleen likes to unwind in her garden proudly showing off her gardener's tan. She joked: 'I look like a blubbery zebra when I take my clothes off!' That I very much doubt, but I love her self-deprecating style. I also love that she chatted away for ages before the interview actually began, discussing our ailments, children and putting the world to rights! Down-to-earth, interested and interesting – you can say what you want but Sharleen is truly a class act. Bring on Belladrum in August. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Texas open Llangollen concert series with Mike Peters tribute
The concert, on June 26, marked the opening of the Pavilion's summer season of live music. Before launching into one of the band's songs, Spiteri, lead singer and frontwoman of the Scottish rock band, paused to remember the Welsh rocker, who died from blood cancer aged 66 on April 29. "Before we start this song, the last time I was here with my husband Bryn was with a very special couple and very special man, Mr Mike Peters," she said, prompting a round of applause from the audience. She went on to say: "He was a true gentleman, a great musician, a great songwriter. He was one of the kindest, truest people that I have to say I've ever met. "He always wore his heart on his sleeve and will be very sadly missed." Spiteri, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music, then dedicated a rendition of Suspicious Minds to his memory. She said to the crowd: "If you don't know if the first two chords, go home! Because you need to love this." Posting on Facebook after the concert, Jules, Mike's wife, said: "Today has been quite the day, topped off by the perfect Sharleen Spiteri tribute tonight to our darling Michael Peters "Thank you Texas! You Rock! RELATED STORIES "Hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Mike and I stood with Sharleen and husband Bryn at the side of stage to watch the Manics [Manic Street Preachers] together. "Live Today. Love Tomorrow." During the packed-out concert, Texas showcased five decades of music - from the worldwide classic I Don't Want a Lover to modern-day hits like Mr Haze and Keep on Talking. The music legends were supported by Rianne Downey, a Scottish singer-songwriter. The concert series coincides with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, which begins on July 8. Texas were the first of 13 headline acts set to perform at the North Wales venue. Other confirmed headliners include Rag'n'Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs, and The Human League. The concerts are part of a collaboration between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Friday (June 28) with headline Rag'n'Bone Man. The triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner will be joined by blues star Elles Bailey.
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Texas open Llangollen concert series with Mike Peters tribute
The concert, on June 26, marked the opening of the Pavilion's summer season of live music. At the encore, Spiteri, lead singer and frontwoman of the Scottish rock band, paused to remember the Welsh rocker, who died from blood cancer aged 66 on April 29. "Before we start this song, the last time I was here with my husband Bryn was with a very special couple and very special man, Mr Mike Peters," she said, prompting a round of applause from the audience. She went on to say: "He was a true gentleman, a great musician, a great songwriter. He was one of the kindest, truest people that I have to say I've ever met. "He always wore his heart on his sleeve and will be very sadly missed." Spiteri, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music, then dedicated a rendition of Suspicious Minds to his memory. She said to the crowd: "If you don't know if the first two chords, go home! Because you need to love this." Posting on Facebook after the concert, Jules, Mike's wife, said: "Today has been quite the day, topped off by the perfect Sharleen Spiteri tribute tonight to our darling Michael Peters "Thank you Texas! You Rock! RELATED STORIES RECAP: Final farewell to The Alarm's Mike Peters Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters 'Totally Free': Tributes pour in for Alarm frontman Mike Peters "Hard to believe that it was only a year ago that Mike and I stood with Sharleen and husband Bryn at the side of stage to watch the Manics [Manic Street Preachers] together. "Live Today. Love Tomorrow." It's been 36 years since Texas first stormed the music scene with their debut hit I Don't Want A Lover. At the packed out concert, the band delivered a powerful 90-minute set packed with fan favourites, including Halo, Hi, In Our Lifetime, Summer Son, Say What You Want, and Black Eyed Boy. Between songs, Spiteri charmed the crowd with her trademark wit and effortless rapport, adding a personal touch to an already electric night. The music legends were supported by Rianne Downey, a Scottish singer-songwriter. The concert series coincides with the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, which begins on July 8. Texas were the first of 13 headline acts set to perform at the North Wales venue. Other confirmed headliners include Rag'n'Bone Man, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, James, The Script, Olly Murs, and The Human League. The concerts are part of a collaboration between Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor and the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion continues on Friday (June 28) with headliner Rag'n'Bone Man. The triple BRIT Award and Ivor Novello Award winner will be joined by blues star Elles Bailey.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Texas star Sharleen Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree
Texas star Sharleen Spiteri recalls early days in music as she collects honorary degree The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success Texas front woman Sharleen Spiteri (Image: Liverpool Echo ) Sharleen Spiteri has said she would have been happy if her band had written "just one hit record" when she started out as she was awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to music. The singer, who formed Scots rock group Texas in 1986 with her bandmates, said she never anticipated the band achieving global success as she sat recording debut single, I Don't Want A Lover, which kickstarted the group's path to fame. On Wednesday, the University of Glasgow (UoG) recognised a number of individuals for services to their respective fields and industries, including: Spiteri; broadcaster Kirsty Young; political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice; and the author and journalist, Sally Magnusson. Following the special commemoration day ceremony, which marked the foundation of the university, Spiteri, originally from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, said it was "emotional" to have received such recognition for her career in music, and said she and her sister wished their mother could have been there to witness the occasion. She told the PA News Agency: "When I got the call, the first thing I did was phone my sister, Corrine, up and said, 'you will never believe this' and both us us were wishing my mum could have been here to see it, which makes it really special. "In the moment, you're sitting in there and you're surrounded by the other honoraries and you listen to their stories. Article continues below "You're listening to what they've done and it gets really emotional because you're thinking about all the people that got you here. She added: "It takes a lot of people to allow you to support you and to be successful. You don't start successful, nobody does." The band's current line-up, consists of Spiteri, Johnny McElhone (bass, guitar, keyboards); Ally McErlaine (guitar); Eddie Campbell (keyboards); Tony McGovern (guitar, backing vocals); and Cat Myers (drums). Next year, the band marks 40 years together, and Spiteri said she had no idea the group would have ever become as famous as they are now. She said: "Honest to god, I thought if I could just write one hit record, I'd be happy. "Johnny McElhone and I thought that as the two of us sat there in a spare room, literally recording on a four-track, writing I Don't Want A Lover and we thought, 'we can write one song'. "He had already been in successful bands before, he'd already written a few hit records, so I feel that I probably had a better chance than a lot of people." Asked if the band has any plans to mark the 40th anniversary, Spiteri said: "Well, if I tell you, then you know about it, don't you? It's what you don't know about you'll have to wait and see. "We've got a big summer this year, we've got 30 festivals around the world. So we're doing that and I'm actually heading off now to literally get back on the tour bus." Asked what advice she would offer any young, aspiring musicians hoping to get into the industry, she joked: "Don't listen to people like me." Also honoured, Kirsty Young spent 35 years working as a broadcaster across a number of TV and radio outlets, including the BBC, STV, Channel 5 and ITV. She was made an Honorary Doctor for her services to her industry, and said it means a "huge amount" to her. She told the PA News Agency: "The thing about this honorary degree is it genuinely, deeply feels like an honour." She added: "My mother is a Glaswegian, my grandparents and great grandparents were Glaswegian, so to be in this great city and receive this award means a huge amount." Asked what advice she would offer those who want to work in broadcasting, she said: "I think the best thing you can do if you're interested in breaking into broadcasting is become a kind of citizen journalist. "You've got it all in your hands – when I started I was packing camera cases for camera men, there were no camera women in those days or female sound recorders. "I was labelling tapes, it was a very big, cumbersome operation, but anybody who is at university now will know that it can just be them and their phone or a little camera and they can make news and they can upload it to YouTube and do their own thing. "So, I would say, get experience by getting the on-air miles under your belt by doing that, and badger organisations that you want to work for. It's a really hard game and it's harder than ever now because people aren't used to paying for content. "Stick at it, it's a hard game, but it will give you a fantastically interesting life, and you will have access to people and places that most people never get to see or speak to so it's really worth it." Professor Sir John Curtice, who was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters, said: "It's a great delight to receive an honorary degree from the university. It is a rare accolade, and I appreciate the university for having awarded it to me. "In a sense, it's a recognition or a celebration of the fact that I have been able to work with Glasgow University over a number of years. And the fact that, although I'm a member of a different, somewhat rival institution on the other side of the city, it's been perfectly willing to allow me to work, or to be involved in some of the work of this institution as well." Article continues below Sally Magnusson, who was awarded a doctor of the university degree, added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have got this wonderful doctorate, from the University of Glasgow. "It has been a real thrill for me to discover what the inside of this lovely university is like, and to be part of its history is tremendous. Centuries and centuries of history and beauty and learning – it's fantastic."
