Latest news with #TheDarkness
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Celebrities set to line up at football fundraiser in aid of Maggie's
Celebrities, musicians and ex-professional footballers will team up in aid of Maggie's Centre next weekend - in what promises to be a truly unique event held at Armadale's Volunteer Park. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The game is part of an effort to raise £50,000 for the vital cancer charity. Names from across football and music have pledged their support to the event that will see the stars descend on Armadale on Sunday, July 27. Musicians taking part include chart-topping acts and fan favourites such as The Darkness, The View, The Snuts, Ben Walker, Luke La Volpe, Dictator, Tenement TV and Sergeant. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Also taking part are a host of ex-professional footballers, including Charlie Mulgrew and Premier League winner, and ex-Scotland captain Colin Hendry. All the action is set to kick off at 12.30pm, with a full afternoon of football featuring teams made up of well-known musicians, local heroes and ex-pros. One of the organisers Michael Ward said: 'We wanted to create something fun and unforgettable that brings people together for a brilliant cause. Whether you're on the pitch or in the stands, Rock the Crossbar promises an incredible atmosphere, big names, and a huge amount of heart – all in support of a charity that does amazing work for those affected by cancer.' Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins is one of those lining up at Armadale's Volunteer Park on Sunday, 27 July | Justin Hawkins Michael, who runs songwriting camps alongside The View frontman Kyle Falconer, said a friendship with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness saw the rock legend appear on their six-a-side team at a London competition earlier this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Michael explained: 'The thing with The Darkness is a personal friendship with me and Justin, he came to my and Kyle Falconer's songwriting camp in Alicante this year and we became really good pals, really quickly. 'The Darkness played in our La Sierra Casa team at celebrity soccer sixes in London in May and won it. We've entered the same team into this, so they are flying from a huge gig in Cornwall on the Saturday and then back there the next day.' Following the football, players and supporters will head to The Regal Theatre in Bathgate for an awards dinner and live jam session, featuring surprise performances, guest appearances and a celebration of what's sure to be a standout day for the community. The event aims to raise £50,000 in support of Maggie's Centre, a charity that offers free cancer support and care to individuals and families across the UK. Maggie's Edinburgh operates out of the Western General Hospital. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An emotional video posted on Instagram by Michael's brother and fellow organiser Jonathan Ward, explains why Maggie's was chosen as the charity that the teams will line-up in aid of. In it Morris Schumacher describes the support provided for his son Jay, and both Morris and his wife Claire, while he battled cancer. Jay sadly passed away in 2015. Their story is just one of many highlighted in the video. Members of the public are welcome to attend, cheer on their favourites, and soak in the atmosphere – with food, drink, and entertainment on offer throughout the day. A limited number of places are still available for those who'd like to play or enter a team. For team registration, or to get involved as a supporter or sponsor, contact Mike Ward at mike@ . You can also pick up tickets here.
Extra.ie
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Oxegen turns 21 - a look back at the festival that became a rite of passage for 2000s teens
While music festivals are seen as a staple of the scene nowadays, it was only the 1990s and 2000s that they really came into their own. While one day festivals had been a thing for the past few decades, three-day, camping festivals became all the rage at the turn of the millennium. And one of the biggest in the country was… Witnness — a festival that started out in Fairyhouse racecourse in Co Meath before moving to Punchestown in Kildare, which ran from 2000-2003. While Witnness was a success for those four years, a rebrand occurred in 2004; one which strikes nostalgia (or fear) into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people who've gone through those gates over the years. That festival was Oxegen. Music fans at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos The inaugural Oxegen took place 21 years ago this weekend (July 10-11) and for prices ranging from €59.90 for one night to €130 for the two nights with camping, music lovers were able to see acts such as The Cure, The Strokes, and The Darkness, who had to replace David Bowie after he pulled out due to health issues. The Cure playing at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Getty Images Other notable bands, who were either on the cusp of something great or who were stalwarts of the music scene, included a pre Sex on Fire Kings of Leon — who are set to close Electric Picnic this year — The Black Eyed Peas, and P!nk, while the Scissor Sisters and Snow Patrol were also huge additions to the lineup. And remember, this was back when festivals announced a lineup and then released the tickets! Fans enjoying the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos The main attraction, of course, was David Bowie, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be, as the singer suffered a heart attack while on his A Reality Tour. The Darkness, best known for I Believe in a Thing Called Love, replaced him, and while they weren't a terrible band… come on. Who's going to want to replace David Bowie? Joyce Clarke, Melissa Kenny and Jerri Kenny at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Revellers who were there admitted that they were sorely disappointed at the replacement, with one person commenting on a reddit post during last year's 20th anniversary 'Having Bowie pull out to be replaced by The Darkness a few days before the gig was like being told Christmas is cancelled but it's ok, you're going to the dentist instead.' 'Big gang of us went for the weekend. I only went to see David Bowie. Hadn't heard the news until I saw The Darkness coming out,' another remembered. 'Was at the front and a few people asking what the story was and security saying Bowie had to withdraw. Devastating.' Emer O'Neill and Vivienne Garry at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Oxegen became a rite of passage for people in their late teens and 20 somethings, and only went on to get bigger and bigger, expanding from two days to three and including acts such as Green Day, The Who and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, before expanding to pop and hip hop as well as rock music — with headliners in its twilight years including Beyoncé, Eminem and Calvin Harris. Pink performing at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos While the festival took a break in 2012 (similar to Glastonbury's fallow year), it came back in 2013, but with a totally different lineup to what people were used to — with acts including Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Rizzle Kicks, something that drew heavy criticism from people who were expecting lineups of old. The Strokes playing at the Oxegen festival in 2004. Pic: Getty Images Despite 50,000 people in attendance across the three days, the writing was on the wall, and it was indeed the final Oxegen — with other festivals, such as Electric Picnic, All Together Now and Longitude taking its place.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Limerick band who supported British rockers The Darkness to play Clare gig
The indie-rock collective will be bringing their energetic live performance to Pot Duggans in Ennistymon on July 19, with fellow Limerick musician Laura Duff providing support on the night. 'We have been trying to play a show in Clare for quite some time now, so to say we are excited is an understatement,' the band's lead singer, Dylan Flynn, said. 'I grew up in Limerick, but my family moved to Clare when I was a teenager, so it holds a special place in my heart. 'I spent most of my summer by the coast there too - there's just a special feeling in West Clare that you don't get anywhere else.' The band have been working on new music they are planning to debut at the Clare gig, with Flynn revealing to The Irish Independent that there will be a new single coming out just three days before their Banner County show. 'We have been working on loads of new music, including a single that's coming out on July 16, so we have loads of new material that we will be playing,' Dylan said. The gig announcement comes mere weeks after the Limerick five-piece opened up gigs in Limerick's King John's Castle and Kerry's Gleneagle Arena for British rock band The Darkness. The Justin Hawkins fronted outfit are most well known for their iconic 2003 hit 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love'. 'A couple of weeks ago we joined The Darkness for their Irish tour, where we played a couple of our biggest shows to date,' Dylan said. 'It was such a surreal experience, as they are a band who have existed in my life since I was a child, so it was great to share the stage with them. ADVERTISEMENT 'We really feel a momentum building right now, and this summer still has some exciting things ahead." Tickets for Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets at Pot Duggans are on sale now.
Forbes
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ed Sheeran's New Single ‘Drives' Onto The Charts
Ed Sheeran's 'Drive' debuts at No. 49 on the Official Singles chart in the U.K., while 'Sapphire' ... More and 'Azizam' from Play remain top hits. LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Ed Sheeran performs live on stage as he plays a surprise support set for The Darkness at The Roundhouse on December 09, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by) Ed Sheeran is promoting a lot of music at the moment. His new album Play is expected in September, and he has already shared several singles from the project. Two of them remain on the charts in the United Kingdom, and both are still big hits – but the singer-songwriter isn't done giving his fans new music to enjoy. The English talent joined the F1 soundtrack with 'Drive,' which arrived just before the album appeared in full. The film has become a hit at the box office all around the world, and the tune he contributed to the star-studded project is now a win in his home country as well – though not quite as big as his Play smashes. Ed Sheeran's New Single 'Drives' Right Onto the Charts 'Drive' arrives on a trio of tallies in the U.K. after its first full tracking frame finishes. The tune opens almost exactly in the middle of the Official Singles chart, which ranks the most consumed tracks throughout the nation. On that tally, Sheeran starts his latest tune at No. 49. A New Top 40 Smash 'Drive' is a top 40 win on the other two lists where it debuts this frame. Sheeran's latest opens at No. 26 on the Official Singles Downloads chart and No. 31 on the Official Singles Sales ranking, which provides a more general view of which individual tracks are selling well throughout the country. Ed Sheeran is Nearing Some Major Milestones Sheeran is approaching triple-digit wins on all three of these rosters, and 'Drive' helps him inch closer to that landmark. The singer-songwriter has accrued 95 career wins on the Official Singles Downloads chart, while he is up to a little more than 80 on the other two tallies where 'Drive' can be found. Ed Sheeran Joins F1 F1, a new racing film directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, includes contributions from a variety of superstar acts like Doja Cat, Tate McRae, Chris Stapleton, and Blackpink singer Rosé, as well as Sheeran. 'Drive' was chosen as the fifth official single, and it was pushed just one week before the full-length appeared. 'Drive' Follows 'Sapphire' and 'Azizam' As 'Drive' revs its engines and becomes a top 40 hit in the U.K., two of Sheeran's Play tracks are still holding on and performing exceptionally well. 'Sapphire' reaches No. 1 on a pair of tallies, while 'Azizam,' the lead single, continues to live inside the top 10 on multiple lists and only drops below that tier on a handful of other rosters, months into its tenure.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Banksy, Britten and The Darkness inspire youngsters
Composer Benjamin Britten, The Darkness and Banksy are being cited as positive influences for young people in an English seaside town. Six students from three different high schools in Lowestoft have used the inspirations to help them write the 2025 Suffolk Day proclamation. Their words, focusing on a "brighter future" for Britain's most easterly town, have been read at the Houses of Parliament ahead of a ceremony in Lowestoft on Suffolk Day - which is taking place on Saturday 21 June. Suffolk Day, inspired by Yorkshire Day, was started in 2017 and is celebrated on the summer solstice, as Ness Point is the first to see the sunrise. Lily-Rose and Tilly from Benjamin Britten Academy, Beth and Ella from Ormiston Denes Academy, and Willow and Naomi from East Point Academy each wrote parts of the proclamation. It starts with: "We want to tell you about the bright future that awaits Lowestoft. A place where creativity and community thrive." Beth, 15, included references to Suffolk councils declaring a climate crisis in 2019, and pledging action. She said: "It does provide our area with hope, because we can see the impact it has had on our local area." The proclamation continues: "Art and culture are the bright future of Lowestoft. "We are the birthplace of Benjamin Britten and his inspirational music that transcended the globe. "We are the canvas for Banksy's spraycation. We are home to three flourishing theatres. "Moreover, Lowestoft was the maiden voyage for the award-winning band The Darkness." Lily-Rose said: "There's a lot of art around the town. They've done lots to incorporate arts and culture where we live." The proclamation continues: "As we look ahead, Lowestoft stands tall as a beacon of progress and pride - a town where the spirit of innovation meets the warmth of tradition. "From our historic roots to our forward-thinking future, we are a community united by purpose and place." The Suffolk Day ceremony includes presenting medals to celebrate community achievements, and moves to a different host town each year. This year events in Lowestoft coincide with the annual First Light Festival, which takes place on the beach on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. The Darkness squash Latitude 'bugbear' Benjamin Britten statue will be put up next summer 'Wow moment' as work begins on offshore wind farm A guide to Banksy's 'Great British Spraycation' Suffolk Day First Light Festival
