Most every year, People converge onto Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset for the Glastonbury Festival. And of the dozens of stages on the site, the most famous one is the Pyramid Stage. The version of the Pyramid Stage we all know and love (at least those of us who aren't really old hands at Glastonbury) was originally made in 2000. And since then, it's been the centrepiece … [Read more...] about Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage might become a permanent structure
British Music
Kate Bush, Iron Maiden and George Michael among Hall of Fame nominees
Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order and the late George Michael are among the 2023 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the US. The 14 artists and groups announced by the Cleveland-based institution for consideration also include Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Cyndi Lauper, The Spinners, … [Read more...] about Kate Bush, Iron Maiden and George Michael among Hall of Fame nominees
Sir Paul McCartney shares unreleased 1994 collaboration with Jeff Beck
Sir Paul McCartney has shared a “previously unreleased and never-before-heard” collaboration between him and the late Jeff Beck which they recorded in 1994. Why Are They Cutting Down the Rainforest? features influential rock guitarist Beck speaking about deforestation and animal agriculture over a psychedelic rock beat. The track was unearthed by Sir Paul for the latest … [Read more...] about Sir Paul McCartney shares unreleased 1994 collaboration with Jeff Beck
Pink Floyd announce plans for “Dark Side of the Moon” Golden Anniversary
On 16 March 1973, Pink Floyd released Dark Side of the Moon. It wound up being not only their best-selling album, but one of the best-selling albums ever. I can remember once reading that a copy of the album is sold every second. I don't know if that's true now or if it ever was (50 million copies have been sold, and there's more than that many seconds in 50 years), but to this … [Read more...] about Pink Floyd announce plans for “Dark Side of the Moon” Golden Anniversary
Kate Bush to release a new lyrics book with a secret message
Last year was a remarkably big year for Kate Bush. Even though it's been over a decade since she's actually released any new music, and the only projects she's come out with in the interim are her concert residency Before the Dawn, a compilation of B-sides and remixes, and a remastering of her entire back catalogue. That and a book of her lyrics called How to Be Invisible. … [Read more...] about Kate Bush to release a new lyrics book with a secret message
Joanna Lumley and Stephen Barlow reflect on their musical influences
Dame Joanna Lumley and Stephen Barlow have reflected on musical influences from their youth, including Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. The 76-year-old actress and her musical conductor husband, 68, have launched a new podcast, Joanna & The Maestro, which explores the world of classical music with funny and revealing stories. In the first episode, Dame Joanna … [Read more...] about Joanna Lumley and Stephen Barlow reflect on their musical influences
Harry Styles and Wet Leg lead pack as Brit Awards nominations revealed
Harry Styles and indie rock duo Wet Leg have emerged as the frontrunners at this year’s Brit Awards after securing four nominations apiece. Former One Direction star Styles capped off a successful 12 months by earning nods for album of the year for Harry’s House, song of the year for As It Was, artist of the year and best pop/R&B act. In July, he was nominated for the … [Read more...] about Harry Styles and Wet Leg lead pack as Brit Awards nominations revealed
RIP Jeff Beck, 1944-2023.
The name Jeff Beck might not be familiar to a lot of us, but for guitarists, he's practically a household name. He worked in the same circles as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, but never achieved their levels of fame. Why not? The Earliest Days Geoffrey Arnold Beck was born on 24 June 1944 in Wallington. He started off as a boy singing in his local church choir, but … [Read more...] about RIP Jeff Beck, 1944-2023.
Peter Gabriel releases his first new single from his upcoming album I/O.
I can remember when music fans kept joking about how Guns N' Roses kept postponing their new album Chinese Democracy. Eventually, they released it in 2008, even as Axl Rose replaced almost all the previous members of the lineup. Then people kept talking about how Tool were taking too long to release their fifth album. And after a 13-year wait, Tool released Fear Inoculum. And … [Read more...] about Peter Gabriel releases his first new single from his upcoming album I/O.
Royal Mail creates Iron Maiden stamps to pay tribute to ‘bona fide rock legends’
Royal Mail has created 12 Iron Maiden stamps to pay tribute to the “bona fide rock legends.” The heavy metal band are the fifth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, and The Rolling Stones in 2022. Eight stamps feature performances of Iron Maiden and all current members of the … [Read more...] about Royal Mail creates Iron Maiden stamps to pay tribute to ‘bona fide rock legends’
Sir Brian May vows to strive to ‘benefit the country’ after receiving knighthood
Brian May has said he feels a renewed responsibility to “behave in a way which benefits the country and the rest of the population” after being given a knighthood in the New Year Honours. As the virtuoso guitarist in rock band Queen, the 75-year-old is responsible for some of the biggest riffs in popular music, from the solo on Don’t Stop Me Now to the melodic strums of … [Read more...] about Sir Brian May vows to strive to ‘benefit the country’ after receiving knighthood
Couple raising money to buy rights to “Last Christmas”… and never hear it again
Looking at the Facebook comments on my article about "Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth," someone said that the Bowie/Crosby version is the only one they can tolerate. Given that this version was made specifically so Bowie didn't have to sing the original song, I can see why. I also mentioned in the article that there's a challenge to avoid listening to the song over the … [Read more...] about Couple raising money to buy rights to “Last Christmas”… and never hear it again
Christmas Number One Revealed: LadBaby make chart history with fifth Christmas number one
LadBaby have made chart history by securing the Christmas number one for a fifth consecutive year – surpassing a record set by The Beatles in the 1960s. Social media star Mark Hoyle and his wife Roxanne, known as LadBaby Mum, claimed the top spot with their single Food Aid, which reworks the Band Aid song Do They Know It’s Christmas? with lyrics about the cost-of-living … [Read more...] about Christmas Number One Revealed: LadBaby make chart history with fifth Christmas number one
Christmas History: How David Bowie and Bing Crosby brought in “Peace on Earth.”
David Bowie and Bing Crosby's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" is one of the most iconic Christmas songs of the modern era. And at the very least, it's the best version of that particular song. And, after a chance rediscovery a few weeks ago, I discovered its origin story, and I figure I may as well tell it. Before the special In 1977, David Bowie was doing what … [Read more...] about Christmas History: How David Bowie and Bing Crosby brought in “Peace on Earth.”
Who is in the running for the 2022 British Christmas number one?
The battle for Christmas number one is well underway, with LadBaby, Tom Grennan and Sidemen all in the running. The festive chart topper will be unveiled by the Official Charts Company on December 25, so here is a look at who is in with a chance of securing the coveted Christmas Day top spot. – LadBaby LadBaby is once again in the running for scoring a Christmas number one, … [Read more...] about Who is in the running for the 2022 British Christmas number one?
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr lead stars at premiere of Abbey Road documentary
Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr were joined by a host of famous faces as they celebrated the UK premiere of a new documentary on Abbey Road Studios. Directed by Sir Paul’s daughter Mary, If These Walls Could Sing is billed as the “first feature-length documentary” on the world-famous London venue. The Beatles recorded most of their music at Abbey Road, with their … [Read more...] about Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr lead stars at premiere of Abbey Road documentary
Headliners announced for Reading and Leeds Festivals 2023
Billie Eilish is set to become the youngest solo artist to headline the Reading and Leeds Festivals.The US star, 20, will top the bill alongside The Killers, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender, Foals, and Imagine Dragons Tickets for the three-day sister events, taking place on August 25 to 27, go on sale at 9 am on Monday, with further acts to be announced. (Festival … [Read more...] about Headliners announced for Reading and Leeds Festivals 2023
Flush of excitement as John Lennon’s toilet goes on display
Beatles fans were flushed with excitement as John Lennon’s toilet went on display in a museum.The porcelain loo, from Tittenhurst Park where Lennon lived with Yoko Ono from 1969 to 1971, was unveiled as the newest exhibit at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Thursday. It was loaned to the museum by Gary Honniball, who paid £1,000 for it at auction when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al … [Read more...] about Flush of excitement as John Lennon’s toilet goes on display
One Anglophile’s Take on the Queen Commemorative Album
Less than a week prior to my writing this, Decca released an album in commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's life and her seventy-year reign. In the days after that, I finally got to listen to it, and here are some thoughts. As mentioned in the previous post, the album has two discs. The first is devoted to some music associated with her life and reign, and her … [Read more...] about One Anglophile’s Take on the Queen Commemorative Album
Robbie Williams to headline outdoor concert at King’s Sandringham estate
Robbie Williams is set to headline the first large-scale live music event at the royal estate of Sandringham next summer; it has been confirmed. The pop megastar, 48, will be joined at the concert on August 26 by a number of “special guests” who have yet to be announced, organizers said. Giles Cooper, from Heritage Live, said: “It’s been an ambition of us all at … [Read more...] about Robbie Williams to headline outdoor concert at King’s Sandringham estate
Elton John teases (and confirms) final Glastonbury performance
Elton John's spent most of the last four years on his latest farewell tour, the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. And this time, it looks like he might actually be retiring for real. Indeed, a few weeks ago, Elton John played what he insists was his last American show. You can stream it on Disney Plus. Of course, there's still several two legs of the tour left, one in … [Read more...] about Elton John teases (and confirms) final Glastonbury performance
Double album released to commemorate Queen’s life, reign, and funeral
An album featuring key musical moments from the Queen’s life, 70-year reign, and funeral has been released by Decca Records.The label previously released recordings from the weddings of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Disc one includes songs from the Queen’s wedding to Philip, her coronation in June 1953, her seven jubilees, and national … [Read more...] about Double album released to commemorate Queen’s life, reign, and funeral
Sir Elton John to headline Glastonbury in final UK show of last ever tour
Sir Elton John has said he “couldn’t be more excited” to be headlining at Glastonbury 2023, marking what will be the final UK show of his last-ever tour.The famous festival will return to Worthy Farm in Somerset from June 21 to 25 next year; it was previously confirmed. A tweet from Glastonbury announcing the news on Friday morning said: “We are incredibly excited to announce … [Read more...] about Sir Elton John to headline Glastonbury in final UK show of last ever tour
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie dies aged 79 following short illness
Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie has died following a short illness at the age of 79, her family have confirmed.The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever. Their best-known songs include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and … [Read more...] about Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie dies aged 79 following short illness
Rolling Stones announce release date for star-studded greatest hits album
The Rolling Stones have announced a new greatest hits album filled with star-studded features, including Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer.Due to be released on February 10 2023, GRRR Live! will capture the rock band’s 2012 show at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center which was part of their 50th-anniversary tour. Alongside global superstars Gaga, Springsteen and … [Read more...] about Rolling Stones announce release date for star-studded greatest hits album
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
