52 h. ago ‘Who would not want to dance to Boogie Wonderland?’: Alison Balsom’s honest playlist

The classical trumpeter had her mind blown by Dizzy Gillespie and has a tin ear for karaoke. But which Christmas banger really grinds her gears?The first song I fell in love with When I was seven and I started playing the trumpet, my mum would take me to the library. They just happened to have Afro by Dizzy Gillespie, and I fell in love with Con Alma, which Dizzy plays on the trumpet with so much soul that it feels like a voice. I remember thinking: Wow, this is something else.The song I do at karaoke I can recognise the melodies in most songs because I have the ear of a musician. But I don’t really listen to the words – I feel having the words in front of me would throw me off, so I’ve never done karaoke. If I had to, I’d probably do an old classic like Crocodile Rock by Elton John. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago STEVE WRIGHT: 'Farage has made it plain just how woefully unfit his party is for power'

Farage has made it plain just how unfit his party is for power with his mass deportation policy announcement, the Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright writes

Politics

4 d. ago Nova Twins: Parasites & Butterflies review – fearless rock duo balance anthems and introspection

(Marshall)Trailblazers Amy Love and Georgia South push the boundaries of their trademark hybrid rock sound while confronting mental health and naysayersNova Twins’ 2022 album Supernova received Brit nominations and the first ever Mercury prize shortlisting for a Black rock band, and earned singer/guitarist Amy Love and bassist Georgia South fans in Rage Against the Machine and Elton John. Their third album packs more of the trademark hybrid of rock, metal, punk and hip-hop that elbowed them to the front of a still male-dominated genre, but pushes at their boundaries and tiptoes towards pop.Working with Foo Fighters/Charli xcx producer Rich Costey and a supporting cast including former Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin and (via their first use of sampling) Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat, the sound is bigger and more blatantly anthemic. Soprano playfully flirts with sugary harmonies and semi-operatic pop. Hummingbird – a kaleidoscopic collage of multi-layered vocals, unusual guitar proc...

Politics

6 d. ago Elton John says Steve Wright helped him get first solo UK number one single

Take That singer Gary Barlow was also among the stars paying tribute to the late radio DJ.

Politics

7 d. ago Elton John spotted with rarely seen sons after trying to talk round Brooklyn Beckham

Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, are looking all grown up and after hosting his godson Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz in Cannes, Elton John invited Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson in France

Politics

8 d. ago Elton John holds hands with husband David Furnish as they depart their £23m yacht with rarely

The couple were joined by their pals Aaron Taylor-Johnson and his wife Sam as they departed the liner to head out for the afternoon in France .

Economics

8 d. ago Sir Elton John, Sir Rod Stewart and Jessie J join an array of music legends for special tribute to 'funny and rude friend Steve Wright' as stars honour late DJ on his 70th birthday

Steve, who passed away in February 2024 aged 69, was fondly remembered by many, adding the likes of Lulu, Greg James , and Jessie J.

Events

1 week ago Thousands of firefighter jobs could go through cuts, says union

Fire Brigades Union leader Steve Wright said 2,300 fire and rescue posts could go.

Events

1 week ago Scots icon Billy Connolly releases new artwork inspired by Elton John

The Scottish comedy icon has released four new limited edition pieces which reflect on his time touring with Elton John and his memories of growing up.

Economics

1 week ago Billy Connolly reveals Elton John inspiration as comedian unveils new limited

The comedian, actor and artist – affectionately known as The Big Yin – has released four pieces as part of his long-running Born on a Rainy Day series

Politics

1 week ago Billy Connolly reveals pal Elton John inspired his latest venture as he reveals new work

Comedian Sir Billy Connolly, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, has released new artwork which is inspired by Sir Elton John

Economics

1 week ago Billy Connolly speaks about Elton John’s inspiration as he releases new artwork

The 82-year-old’s new piece Saturday Night shows a colourful piano player in action.

Economics

2 w. ago Elton John and David Walliams ruined my best friend's hen do! Woman claims bride

Sir Elton John and David Walliams shared snaps of themselves having lunch at the expensive La Guérite restaurant and beach club, on the Île Ste-Marguerite, south of Cannes.

Politics

2 w. ago My best friend's hen party was cancelled thanks to you... Elton John and David Walliams! Stars party in Cannes, while bride

Sir Elton John and David Walliams shared snaps of themselves having lunch at the expensive La Guérite restaurant and beach club, on the Île Ste-Marguerite, south of Cannes.

Politics

2 w. ago My best friend's hen was cancelled thanks to you... Elton John and David Walliams! Stars party in Cannes, while bride

Sir Elton John and David Walliams shared snaps of themselves having lunch at the expensive La Guérite restaurant and beach club, on the Île Ste-Marguerite, south of Cannes.

Politics

2 w. ago Elton John left in stitches as David Walliams entertains music legend on Cannes holiday

Sir Elton John danced alongside David Walliams as the pair dined in Cannes with the cast of Netflix's Heartstopper.

Politics

2 w. ago Elton John dances with David Walliams as he enjoys retirement in France

Sir Elton John danced alongside David Walliams as the pair dined in Cannes with the cast of Netflix's Heartstopper.

Politics

2 w. ago Monstering the Rocketman review – Elton aims for the Sun in skewering of 80s tabloids

Pleasance Dome, EdinburghHeadlines punctuate Henry Naylor’s play about the newspaper’s campaign against Elton John and the multiple lawsuits launched by the singerHenry Naylor started out in comedy but the lines that get the biggest laughs in Monstering the Rocketman are not his. That credit goes to the subeditors on the Sun whose talent for writing headlines, as crass as they were inspired, was second to none. In their 1980s heyday, when the tabloid’s circulation soared close to 4m, they could sum up their readers’ belligerent mood with a “Gotcha” or just make them laugh.You might wince at a bottom-related soap-opera story headlined “Rear Enders” or, in the 1990s, George Michael being stung with “Zip Me Up Before You Go Go”, but you can only admire their panache. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Phil Collins fans left outraged as 'sick' AI photos of star, 74, appearing frail in hospital bed while being visited by Paul McCartney, 83, go viral amid rumours he's in a hospice

The fake images show the 74-year-old retired Genesis drummer sobbing as he is visited by Elton John and Paul McCartney, before the Beatles legend serenaded him with a song.

Sport

4 w. ago BBC accused of tarnishing Steve Wright's legacy, as colleague and friend savages corporation over late Radio 2 legend's treatment

Steve Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, according to his death certificate, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken.

Politics