1 hour ago ‘It fully altered my taste in music’: bands reflect on the awesome power of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks

The games’ runaway success introduced a whole generation to hopped up US punk and metal. Bands including Less Than Jake, the Ataris and AFI pay tribute to a gaming megastar who loves them backWhen millions of parents bought their kids a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game in the late 90s and early 00s, they couldn’t have understood the profound effect it would have on their children’s music taste. With bands from Bad Religion to Papa Roach and Millencolin accompanying every failed spin and grind, these trick-tastic games slyly doubled up as the ultimate compilation CD.While the Fifa games have an equally storied history with licensed music, those soundtracks feel impersonal – a who’s who of whichever artists EA’s associated record labels wanted to push at the time. Pro Skater’s soundtrack, by contrast, felt like being handed a grubby and slightly dog-eared handmade mixtape, still battered from its last tumble at the local skate park. Continue reading...

Culture

18 h. ago Zelenskyy says he has received positive signals from US over resumption of military aid – Europe live

Ukraine president says he has held constructive talks with Trump and that European allies will help pay for Patriot systemsZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Events

21 h. ago Starmer and Macron urge allies to increase pressure on Putin after ‘frank’ talks between US and Russia on Ukraine – Europe live

Leaders of UK and France call for fresh sanctions on Moscow after Marco Rubio and Sergei Lavrov hold ‘important’ conversationZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Politics

22 h. ago US disappointed and frustrated by lack of progress on Ukraine, Rubio tells Russia’s Lavrov in ‘frank’ exchange – Europe live

US secretary of state has ‘substantive and frank’ conversation with Russian foreign minister over situation in UkraineZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago Russia’s frozen assets must be used to rebuild Ukraine, says Zelenskyy, as he hits out at ‘terrorism’ of daily attacks – Europe live

Kyiv said Russia launched around 400 drones and 18 missiles against Ukraine overnightZelenskyy also repeatedly thanks partners for their help so far, saying it is thanks to their help it was able to start building a modern air force.“We’ve done it in record time. No other country has switched from Soviet aircraft to F-16 and Mirages this quickly,” he says.I urge all our partners: increase your investments when Russia increases its attacks. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Number of first time home buyers hits record low as rentals take over US housing market

The number of renter households in the U.S. has ballooned to a record 46 million

Society

3 d. ago The US national team lost regional superiority, but gained some World Cup hope

The US lost a final but gained competitive options at multiple positions, which should make some entrenched yet absent stars nervous. Sign up for Soccer with Jonathan Wilson hereIn the end, the status quo went unchanged. Mexico won its second consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup trophy in a heated final with the United States in Houston’s NRG Stadium on Sunday. The oddly angular cup will be tucked into Mexico’s federation trophy case next to El Tri’s first Concacaf Nations League title, lifted in March. The program was unquestionably on top of Concacaf before the Gold Cup – now that it’s over, they still are.If anything is changing, it’s the momentum in Mexico’s favor. The 2-1 victory over the United States men’s national team was the first time the Mexicans vanquished their arch-rivals in six years – minus one day. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Mauricio Pochettino fumes at ‘embarrassing’ penalty decision in USA’s Gold Cup final loss

The United States were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in Houston

Politics

6 d. ago In Djokovic’s sunset years, he loves what he does and still wants to be loved | Kevin Mitchell

Since the first time I saw Djokovic win at Wimbledon, in 2011, he has carried himself with the air of a born championMoments after he had beaten Dan Evans in almost perfunctory style on Centre Court to advance to the third round of the championships for a record 19th time, Novak Djokovic bumped into an old friend in the corridor on the way to his own match.“Good day at the office?” Gaël Monfils inquired, smiling as old pros do. The French veteran paused before heading for Court 18 and a much smaller audience, adding: “At this age, we need these types of days.” Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Tricky brain teaser asks you to find the number 474 hidden among 444s in 20 seconds

You'll need to have sharp vision to spot it in record time

Politics

7 d. ago Spot the rogue letter in this 'impossible' puzzle that only 1% can solve in under 11 seconds

A fiendish puzzle has challenged people to find the odd letter out in a sea of Ms - and it's left nearly everyone scratching their heads - but can you spot it in record time?

Politics

7 d. ago ‘I have let a lot of people down’ – Champion jockey apologises for drink

A judge fined Oisin Murphy £70,000 and handed him a 20-month driving ban after he crashed a car into a tree while drink-driving earlier this year.

Politics

7 d. ago Champion jockey admits drink driving charge after crashing into a tree

Murphy, who grew up in Killarney, Co Kerry, has been crowned UK champion jockey four times.

Events

8 d. ago Urgent warning over cocaine brain damage: Bombshell as record levels of snorting among middle

Are we facing a dementia time-bomb, thanks to record numbers of Britons taking cocaine as a recreational drug?

Events

8 d. ago Kate Middleton seen for first time since missing Royal Ascot

Princess Kate withdrew from Royal Ascot recently as she continues her recovery from her cancer treatment

Politics

8 d. ago Kate Middleton admits 'everyone expects you to be better' in brave cancer admission

The Princess of Wales made a personal admission about her cancer journey on her first public appearance back after recently pulling out of attending Royal Ascot

Politics

8 d. ago Kate Middleton update as she's seen for first time in hospital visit since missing Royal Ascot

During her morning visit to Colchester Hospital, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton met with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost, who spearheaded the garden's design

Politics

8 d. ago Kate Middleton update as she's seen for first time in hospital visit after missing Royal Ascot

During her morning visit to Colchester Hospital, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton met with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost, who spearheaded the garden's design

Politics

8 d. ago Kate Middleton breaks cover for hospital visit after pulling out of Royal Ascot

The Princess of Wales has made a surprise visit to Colchester Hospital as she returned to public duties where she dropped by the RHS's Wellbeing Garden to celebrate the healing power of nature

Politics

1 week ago Queues and winning Raducanu make Wimbledon feel even more British than usual

Seven inspired wins, David Beckham in the royal box and 10,000 fans at Wimbledon Park meant a memorable start to SW19It might sound implausible, but this was a day where Wimbledon, that most quintessential of British sporting institutions, felt even more British than usual. The queues were lengthy, the weather hitting record-breaking heights. And over a glorious day of action, the All England Club reverberated to the rare sound of unheralded British players shattering expectations – and ripping up the record books.By the time Katie Boulter left Centre Court with the cheers still ringing in her ears after defeating the No 9 seed Paula Badosa, there had been a magnificent seven British victories on day one – the most in a single day in the open era. Continue reading...

Politics