Reality show winner and pop star ‘unveiled' as mysterious masked performer President ahead of Download Festival slot
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE identity of a mysterious mask-wearing performer who leads new band President has been revealed ahead of its Download Festival performance tomorrow afternoon.
The hard-rocking act launched its presidential campaign out of the blue earlier this year with a series of cryptic social media posts.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
4
President is playing a 30 minute set at Download tomorrow afternoon
Credit: Instagram
More recently the band announced its first rally (headline gig) is taking place on July 30 at The Garage, London. It quickly sold out.
Two crushing singles, In The Name of the Father and Fearless, are aural manifestos, acting as a rallying cry for rock and metal lovers to pledge allegiance.
Speculation over President's identity has been rife ever since the first images of its frontman wearing a creepy rubber mask went public.
A place on the Download Festival bill before a physical release indicated the band's members had some gravitas in the industry.
The consensus is that the singer Busted frontman Charlie Simpson.
President's songs bear a striking resemblance to Charlie's trademark gravelly vocals, particularly from his time leading Fightstar in the early noughties.
That band reunited last year for a sellout gig at Wembley Arena to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Charlie won The Masked Singer disguised as a Rhino in 2023, and it seems the experience has inspired him to launch a more serious masked side project.
Not only that, but fans have spotted a gap in the front teeth of the singer, which Charlie is known to have.
Beyond the vocal and facial similarities, though, is the fact that the trademark for President's music on Spotify belongs to King of Terror.
The Masked Singer crowns Charlie Simpson winner as Rhino revealed
The sole director for that firm on Companies House is one Charles Robert Simpson, while documents show his wife Anna holds 50 percent share stake in the business.
Though the mystery may be solved, the concept is still creative and refreshing.
Faceless acts aren't particularly unusual in modern rock - Ghost have been doing it ghoulishly well for years and Download headliners Sleep Token are currently the genre's biggest poster boys - but President's committal to its theme remains intriguing.
And mystery still surrounds the remaining members of the group with former Bring Me The Horizon star Jordan Fish and members of Sleep Token and Bullet For My Valentine tipped to be involved.
If you're at Download this weekend check them out on the Dogtooth Stage at 4.25pm tomorrow.
4
It appears Charlie Simpson is the man behind the President mask
Credit: Getty
4
Charlies is best known for his work in Busted with James Bourne and Matt Willis
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Little Mix star admits ‘daily battle' with fat jabs amid eating disorder fears
See what she had to say about people commenting on her body JADE Thirlwall opened up on her past with disordered eating at the height of her fame with Little Mix. The singer rose to fame with the pop group, but has branched out as an award-winning solo artist after Little Mix went on hiatus after their confetti tour in 2022. 4 Jade Thirlwall opened up on the lasting pressure to be thin Credit: Getty 4 The Little Mix star said she had an eating disorder while in the pop group Credit: Alamy 4 The singer said she was fighting the pressure to start fat jabs Credit: Alamy The girlband which included, Jade, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson, racked up 19 top ten singles including FIVE No1s, since their talent show triumph. Since leaving Little Mix, Jade has admitted to putting on weight after the pressures put on her to be "stick-thin" while in the pop group. But the scrutiny on her changing body has not eased and Jade admitted feeling the temptation to go on weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro, or Ozempic as is the brand name in the US. "Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look," Jade said in an interview with The Guardian. "Now I'm in my 30s and the healthiest I've ever been, but every time I post a picture, there are comments saying, 'She must be pregnant'... people are used to seeing me in a group environment five or 10 years ago when I was stick-thin because I was in my early 20s with an eating disorder.' Jade added that she did not realise in the moment that she had a disordered eating issue. "But when I look back at photos of periods when I was quite unhappy, I think, 'wow, girlie, you were very, very thin'," she explained. "The pattern was there. Historically, if I've ever felt that something is out of my control, then restricting food has been a means of controlling my life in a very toxic way.' The Angel Of My Dreams singer got so bad around 2017 that her mum and a friends of hers drove down from her hometown of South Shields, near Newcastle. They made sure Jade was eating and getting her to gigs, but taking a break from Little Mix never crossed her mind. 'If you stop working in this business, then everybody wants to know why, and I couldn't be arsed for everything that came with that. So I kept it moving,' Jade said. Jade Thirwall admits new single is about SEX fantasies calling it 'a kinky love song Since going solo, Jade has been outspoken about the harsh expectations on the members of Little Mix, who found fame on reality TV show, X Factor. She opened up on "selling her soul" to be a popstar during an appearance on ITV's The Assembly, where she was questioned by interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled — and no topics was off limits. Eating Disorder - How to Get Help BEAT EATING DISORDERS The charity provides information and advice on eating disorders, and runs an online community. Helpline phone numbers: 0808 801 0677 (England) 0808 801 0433 (Wales) 0808 801 0432 (Scotland) 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland) Webchat Jade was left stumped when one man asked her if she regretted selling her soul by finding fame on the talent show back in 2011. Struggling to answer diplomatically, before comparing herself to Marvel superhero Thanos, she confessed: 'You've trumped me . . . Maybe a little bit in the beginning. 'I was so young and I just signed on the dotted line. 'But as the years have gone by I've learned more and more about the industry. 'I've been collecting — a bit like Thanos with the stones — I've been collecting parts of my soul back as I've gained more creative freedom.' 4 Jade has had a successful solo career since releasing her first single last year Credit: The Mega Agency
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Celebs are making us wince in their eyewatering ‘wedgeshe' to be on trend – please just keep your privates PRIVATE
The exposing trend is taking over celebrity wardrobes and catwalk PELVIC-SORE Celebs are making us wince in their eyewatering 'wedgeshe' to be on trend – please just keep your privates PRIVATE Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORGET corsets or tummy-tucking Spanx - there's a new eye-watering trend that will make you wince. And need to book in regular wax appointments. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Jennifer Lopez is one of the many celebs to endorse the 'wedgeshe' Credit: instagram/jlo 9 Hip-high cut and thin in shape, the new trend makes fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend wince Credit: instagram/jlo The saying goes, beauty is pain, but A-listers are bring a whole new meaning. Celebrities from Jennifer Lopez to Naomi Campbell have taken to a new look of wearing ultra high cut and ultra pelvic exposing bodysuits. Just to look at their all-in ones that look not too dissimilar to having your thong on back to front makes my whole body shivers in repulsion and in sympathy pain. I've aptly christened this the wedgeshe. Whilst , 56, has been on her Up All Night tour in various locations including Spain, Italy and Poland she has taken to the stage wearing an extreme version of the wedgshe. The rest of us wouldn't dream of wearing something so revealing and tempting the fate of a god almighty 'reveal', but not our She laughs in the face of exposing danger and continues to hop, skip and leap around stages with nearly everything on show. 9 The Jenny from the Block singer, 56, has never been afraid to wear a risque stage costume, and her latest tour has been no exception Credit: Instagram Don't get me wrong, the Jenny From The Block singer can pull it off her remarkable body but, if I were front row and in the face of, well, that - then I wouldn't be able to concentrate. 9 Naomi Campbell takes brave steps on the runway at the Dsquared2 fashion show in a wedgeshe Credit: Getty Earlier this year model Naomi Campbell, 55, took to the catwalk for fashion brand Dsquared2 wearing a long sleeved, leather wedgeshe. Complete with over the knee boots, her jutting hips were out of all to see as she strutted her stuff down the runway. But yikes, the cocktail of that powerful walk (the best in the business), leather, hot lights and nylon tights could potentially result in cystitis. Woman shocks with outfit that shows 'zero class' as she walks down the beach promenade with one butt cheek fully out 9 Doechii joined Naomi Campbell on the Dsquared2 runway in a similar look Credit: Getty Also accompanying her in February was rap power house, Doechii. The 27-year-old US star wore her wedgeshe with heeled lace up boots and a waist belt. How she could breathe, let alone rap, with all that restrictive gear on it beyond me. Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made her never-ending legs look even longer in February at a post-BAFTA Vogue party. 9 Rosie Huntington Whiteley strikes a pose at a BAFTA party in a leather wedgeshe Credit: Getty The 38-year-old mum of two looked sensational in a black leather wedgeshe with sheer black tights, six inch stilettos and a fluffy shawl. The feathered cover-up does seem a little bit unnecessary considering everything else is exposed, but this is fashion after all. 9 Dua Lipa modelling for Yves Saint Laurent Credit: Instagram When Dua Lipa signed up to be the face of fashion and beauty brand Yves Saint Laurent, I'm sure wearing a wedgeshe wasn't listed in the T's&C's. But the trooper that she is, the 29-year-old strapped into her belted number that not only was suffocating on the pelvic area but also had cut outs at the side for one of the brands campaigns. I'm no marketing genius but I doubt anyone was looking at the lipgloss they were selling - or was it mascara? 9 Ashley Roberts attends London Fashion Week February in a tartan bodysuit Credit: Getty 9 Bianca Censori at Milan Fashion Week wearing a PVC wedge and matching plastic boots Credit: Getty Other wedgeshe fans include Ashely Roberts, 43, who wore a daring look to Fashion Week and of course, if there's a controversial trend you know Bianca Sensori has tried it. The 30-year-old however didn't go for the chastity belt style, but a somewhat more breathable apron style, but still in it was made of rubber. If this trend continues to grow, I urge you high street brands and shoppers to not start making wedegshe looks for party season. Keep your standards high and your privates private.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horoscope today, August 17, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 Get set for the sun's shift to your career sector – and the chance to switch to a hotter, faster work path. This may include more time outdoors or in a warm climate. It's flagged lately but you feel the energy flowing back into your body, along with mental determination. You can speed through any remaining fitness goals. 3 Your weekly horoscope for Sunday ♉ TAURUS April 21 to May 21 Your creative chart is on fire, as both the sun and new moon focus their positive powers. Take your skills and dreams seriously and set out a practical schedule this week. In love? Romance still matters, no matter how routine life may feel. Single? A May birthday is your soulmate clue. Luck revalues a family legacy. Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♊ GEMINI May 22 to June 21 Your week begins with personal challenges – building towards your new moon moment. Strong personal rules can be a factor, but also the ability to freestyle when you need to – be creative in your relationships. When you really trust your own judgement, you are unbeatable. Property contests can be lucky. Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♋ CANCER June 22 to July 22 Finding and celebrating your one true voice is the theme this week. The sun layers new confidence into any public-facing enterprise, while the new moon focuses on renewing and refreshing connections. Love words in your mind for ages can now be expressed. Single? The One is first in a group to say 'hello'. Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♌ LEO July 23 to August 23 Face value is not enough for you now – your chart says you must go deeper. This is how you can feel richer on every level of life and love. Don't be too dazzled by shiny surfaces or expensive habits. Your path is clear and calm as Mercury takes charge, but you need to do your homework, especially at work. Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♍ VIRGO August 24 to September 22 You are the sign to watch and wonder at this week – as power planets drive your sign. You have an unspoken but unmistakable something special, thanks to the sun and new moon. Even long-running situations can be revised in your favour. A group that may have taken you for granted wakes to your true potential. Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 The romance is strong all week Credit: Getty ♎ LIBRA September 23 to October 23 You shine a light of hope on your deepest dreams and can take at least three steps towards turning them into reality. Love-wise, this can mean letting reservations go, and trusting your heart. The romance is strong all week. Your Mars chart mix is hot and can spark unexpected attractions – but you'll stay in control. Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♏ SCORPIO October 24 to November 22 Your social self is in the spotlight and you ask key questions. Could you be a better friend? Are you using your ability to influence others in the best way? There is an audience for your skills, if you are prepared to share. Partners are both learning, in different ways. Single? You could face a choice of fire signs. Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♐ SAGITTARIUS November 23 to December 21 Harness your most impulsive self to rethink a set of work goals. Aiming higher, or in a new direction, can be a better fit for you now, so try not to stay stuck in the past. A new moon of success encourages you to retry a contest. Passion is deeply connecting, you can believe the signals in some dark eyes. Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♑ CAPRICORN December 22 to January 20 Maybe you didn't consider yourself adventurous – until now. Your chart is on a roll and ready to take you with it. You can explore options with an element of the unknown, and find your own way to make these fit. Out goes predictable Capricorn and in comes someone more daring, and more prepared to care, and show it. Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 3 Cash answers can come in stages Credit: Supplied ♒ AQUARIUS January 21 to February 18 What a makeover new moon means is up to you – so many opportunities to feel, look and behave differently are lining up. When you see the right one, you will recognise it instantly. A time of home, or love, inequality can end as Mercury helps you to make a point as many times as you need to. Luck circles 71. Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♓ PISCES February 19 to March 20 Deals that drag on too long can get their marching orders as your chart wakes up to the wonder of you. You have ability to lead tactfully but also with toughness – to speed up results and cut wastes of time or energy. In love, you know what and who you want – now decide when. Cash answers can come in stages. Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
