‘I've survived cancer, I grew up on the Falls Road': Brian Kennedy on resilience, taking criticism and his first acting role
'It's unrecognisable,' singer Brian Kennedy says in relation to the music industry, and how it's changed throughout his career. Kennedy is in the middle of recording his 19th album, which has the working title How Can I Keep From Singing?.
'[The industry] is run more than ever by accountants and people who count numbers. There aren't really any artistic people out there running the machine, as it were.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Study finds Gen Z cutting back on essentials to afford live music events
The study of 2,000 adults found 46 per cent of 21-24 year olds went as far as to say they believe concerts and gigs can feel out of reach for most people A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly half of those aged 21-24 feel live music events like concerts and gigs are often too pricey for the average person to attend. Despite feeling priced out, Gen Z isn't giving up on live music, with two-thirds having been to at least one gig in the past year, shelling out an average of £117 for a top-priced ticket. To afford their musical outings, almost a fifth of young adults have scrimped on daily necessities, while over a quarter ditched a subscription service, and 15% admitted to spending more on gigs than their monthly utility bills. It comes after Paul Weller reveals the unusual reason he refuses to watch Oasis concerts. Dave Edmunds is critically ill in hospital after the Christmas No 1 singer 'dies in wife's arms.' The research was initiated by Greene King in celebration of hosting the 'biggest pub gig ever', featuring a surprise set by Sam Ryder at The Anchor on London's Southbank, among 800 acts across its venues. As part of the Greene King Untapped initiative, which aims to discover new musical talent, Eurovision sensation Sam Ryder performed a 35-minute set free of charge for attendees. Sam Ryder, now Greene King's Head of Gigs, reflected on his roots: "Playing in pubs and smaller venues was where it all started for me, with intimate venues, borrowed PA systems, and a handful of pub-goers who might become fans." He emphasised the importance of grassroots music venues, saying: "Grassroots music is at the heartbeat of the scene and those early gigs shaped who I am as an artist." Ryder also highlighted the role these venues play in making live music accessible: "These spaces allow live music to be an experience available to everyone, that's why they're so important, and I'm stoked to be a part of the team helping to keep that alive." The research also found that across the board, 40% of all adults surveyed feel they've been priced out of live music experiences – missing an average of three gigs in the past year alone. Meanwhile, half have been left disappointed after wanting to catch a musical act but finding tickets had sold out at lightning speed. The findings further showed that 53% consider live music ticket costs to be unjust, with 67% believing prices have reached unreasonable levels in recent times. A substantial 61% stated they'd attend far more concerts if they were more affordable. The study additionally uncovered that 41% feel most energised when experiencing live music, whilst 63% acknowledged that the buzz of a live show simply can't be replicated through digital means. Furthermore, 38% have experienced the fear of missing out after spotting concert footage on social media for events they couldn't make it to. Zoe Bowley, managing director at Greene King Pubs, said: "Pubs have long been the heartland of grassroots music, a place where emerging talent takes root, stars are born, and communities come together. It's where British people do what they do best: connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories."
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Alex Jones: Stars celebrate 15 years of One Show host
The Welsh TV star, 48, had mainly worked on children's TV before she joined the BBC weekday chat show in August 2010, which has seen her cover major events including Sport Relief and Eurovision. She has also interviewed a number of Hollywood stars including Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Jackie Chan and Sydney Sweeney. There was a surprise for Jones during Friday night's show when she was asked to move to the other side of the sofa to be interviewed by her co-host Roman Kemp and their guest, author and gameshow host Richard Osman. Jones, who usually asks the questions, was put in the hot seat and asked about her 15 years on the BBC One show. The 30-minute special, which included a chat with pop star Olly Murs, included some heartfelt montages looking at some of the celebrities Jones has interviewed over the years, from Dolly Parton to Whoopi Goldberg. A number of famous people including baking star Dame Mary Berry and Welsh actor Michael Sheen shared their memories of Jones. The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, also made an appearance at the studio to congratulate the TV presenter. Other highlights included a film looking back at Jones's early days in Cardiff and a talk with her old drama tutor and parents. Co-presenter Kemp, 32, said: 'Alex is a national treasure in my opinion and someone I'm so grateful to call my co-host. 'I've learned so much from her since being at The One Show and every day I see first-hand just how much the show and its viewers mean to her. A true great of the BBC and a wonderful human being.' The One Show editor, Joanne Vaughan-Jones, said: 'It's an absolute privilege to celebrate this special milestone with Alex. 'Being live on the sofa night after night, she brings a rare gift – the ability to make everyone feel completely at ease, whether it's the guests on the sofa or the viewers watching from home. 'Her warmth, empathy, quick wit and natural connection with people are what make her such a cherished part of the show.' Jones has worked alongside broadcasters including Vernon Kay, Clara Amfo and Lauren Laverne. She also co-hosted alongside former footballer Jermaine Jenas before he was removed from the presenting team after alleged issues relating to workplace conduct.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Alex Jones: Stars celebrate 15 years of One Show host
The Welsh TV star, 48, had mainly worked on children's TV before she joined the BBC weekday chat show in August 2010, which has seen her cover major events including Sport Relief and Eurovision. She has also interviewed a number of Hollywood stars including Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Jackie Chan and Sydney Sweeney. There was a surprise for Jones during Friday night's show when she was asked to move to the other side of the sofa to be interviewed by her co-host Roman Kemp and their guest, author and gameshow host Richard Osman. Jones, who usually asks the questions, was put in the hot seat and asked about her 15 years on the BBC One show. The 30-minute special, which included a chat with pop star Olly Murs, included some heartfelt montages looking at some of the celebrities Jones has interviewed over the years, from Dolly Parton to Whoopi Goldberg. A number of famous people including baking star Dame Mary Berry and Welsh actor Michael Sheen shared their memories of Jones. The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, also made an appearance at the studio to congratulate the TV presenter. Other highlights included a film looking back at Jones's early days in Cardiff and a talk with her old drama tutor and parents. Co-presenter Kemp, 32, said: 'Alex is a national treasure in my opinion and someone I'm so grateful to call my co-host. 'I've learned so much from her since being at The One Show and every day I see first-hand just how much the show and its viewers mean to her. A true great of the BBC and a wonderful human being.' The One Show editor, Joanne Vaughan-Jones, said: 'It's an absolute privilege to celebrate this special milestone with Alex. 'Being live on the sofa night after night, she brings a rare gift – the ability to make everyone feel completely at ease, whether it's the guests on the sofa or the viewers watching from home. 'Her warmth, empathy, quick wit and natural connection with people are what make her such a cherished part of the show.' Jones has worked alongside broadcasters including Vernon Kay, Clara Amfo and Lauren Laverne. She also co-hosted alongside former footballer Jermaine Jenas before he was removed from the presenting team after alleged issues relating to workplace conduct.
