Alexander Skarsgard: ‘I could be a Swedish Bond'
Everyone has one question when I tell them I've just met Alexander Skarsgard: 'Was he hot?' This, after all, is the actor voted five consecutive times Sweden's sexiest man alive, about whom Taylor Swift allegedly composed her song Wildest Dreams with its lyric, 'He's so tall and handsome as hell,' and whose Hollywood career started with the role of Meekus, the orange mocha frappuccino-loving male model in Zoolander, to whom Ben Stiller's character says, 'Did you ever think that maybe there's more to life than being really, really, really ridiculously good-looking?'
Of the last Skarsgard is living proof. It took time, but now he's established a career as one of the most versatile, as well as one of the buffest, actors. He gained the
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Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Taylor Swift fans are convinced her ex Joe Alwyn silently supported her amid battle to buy back her masters
Taylor Swift fans think her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn subtly showed support for her while she was in the midst of buying back her music empire. On Friday the 35-year-old Eras Tour artist announced that she bought her master recordings from Shamrock Capital. And by Sunday, a fan with the TikTok handle @manumelm created a 17-second clip connecting the 34-year-old actor's last Instagram post — shared more than two months ago — to his pop star ex. Sandwiched into Joe's carousel post, uploaded on March 12, was a photo of a heart-shaped white bowl with a four-leaf clover painted at the center. Some Swifties have taken it as a symbol related to the aforementioned Los Angeles-based investment firm Shamrock. It was noted in the brief social media snippet that the photos Taylor used for her Instagram announcement last week were taken on March 27, fueling the theory that Joe knew about the deal before it was finalized in late May. While some of Swift's diehard fan base latched onto the idea, others were skeptical that Alwyn was secretly supporting the singer. 'Let's be real. He did it for St. Patrick's Day,' one person wrote, collecting over 3,000 likes. Another added to the comments thread, 'This is a bit of a stretch, I think.' A social media user named Susie Sunshine agreed, 'I kinda think we're reaching, seeing something that's not there.' There was also a fan who offered, 'He got so good at the art of secret, coded message, because he learned it from her.' And someone else wrote in all capital letters, 'It's so suspicious!' The TikTok, soundtracked by Taylor's song Right Where You Left Me, has so far racked up 30,000 likes. Taylor and Joe reportedly met when they crossed paths at the 2016 Met Gala. They were first pictured together in Nashville, Tennessee in 2017. They were an item, keeping their relationship under tight wraps, until April 2023. Following their split, Taylor began dating Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce later that summer, and the two are going strong. Billboard reported that Swift spent nearly $360 million to buy back her music catalog from Shamrock Capital after 'bully' Scooter Braun sold her masters to the private equity firm in 2020, a year after buying them from Big Machine. 'I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen, after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away,' Taylor wrote on her website on Friday. She continued, 'But that's all in the past now. I've been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found that this is really happening. I really get to say those words. All of the music I've ever made… now belongs… to me.' Her Instagram post teasing the full statement about the masters read, 'You belong with me. Letter on my site :).' It was accompanied by several pictures of her in a simple pale blue sweater and light wash jeans while posing and smiling with six of her records.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
New interactive map reveals the Scottish locations behind hit songs
A new interactive map containing hundreds of places featured in the songs, music artwork and music videos of Britain's favourite artists has been released by National Rail - with places across Edinburgh and Glasgow featured. It is being released alongside new research showing how intrinsic music is to those in Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new map features locations across Edinburgh and Glasgow with a connection to iconic artists such as The Proclaimers, Jockstrap, Abba, The Fall, Passenger and more. Locations such as Leigh, Killermont Street and Byres Road feature - revealing the stories connecting these Scottish spots to famous artists. The map has been released alongside new research showing the deep-rooted connection between music and those who reside in Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It reveals that nearly half of Scots (46%) have attended a gig in the past 12 months, with almost a quarter having been to a music festival (23%). National Rail - Behind the tracks Amongst them, the artist seen the most was Taylor Swift (23%) followed by Pink (9%). Other popular artists with Scots include Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen (all 8%). Music mega fans, over half of Scots have travelled to visit a place associated with a musician they are a fan of by train (52%), with over a third (40%) visiting locations featured in their music videos, and travelling to their hometown (40%). In addition, National Rail has launched a new series of audio guides, narrated by Jo Whiley, and features contributions from former All Saint Melanie Blatt and DJ Yinka Bokinni. The guides cover key geographical areas of Britain and reveal the links they have with a range of homegrown and international acts - plus how music fans can explore these locations by train. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Listeners will hear of the untold stories behind some of music's most memorable moments, from the Cromford railway station which acted as visual inspiration for one of Oasis' biggest hits, to the Notting Hill street where All Saints found their voice and name. The guides aim to inspire music lovers to get out there and discover the iconic British locations that have inspired our favourite artists – because when it comes to music, nothing beats being there. National Rail - Behind the tracks Jo Whiley, DJ and broadcaster said: 'Locations in Britain and the railway have been a source of inspiration for music artists for as long as I can remember. There's no better way to connect with the music and artists you love than going to see the locations that inspired them in person, which is why I've worked with the rail industry on a new series of audio guides, and encourage people to use their new interactive map to plan their next musical adventure by train." Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, explained: 'With this year marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway we wanted to highlight the role rail has played in inspiring music artists and how it continues to help connect Britons to the people, places and experiences they love. It was great to team up with Jo again on a new series of audio guides, which are now available alongside an interactive map that highlights 200 locations that have inspired some of the nation's favourite songs, music videos, album artwork and are easily accessible by train.' Discover the audio guides and the musical map of Britain on the National Rail website:
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Taylor Swift splashes out eye-watering sum on revenge look to dine with BFF Selena Gomez after buying masters
Taylor Swift looked dressed for revenge in a stunning head-to-toe Gucci ensemble after finally gaining ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums. While celebrating the end of her very long and public battle to own her music, the pop star, 35, emerged for a rare girls' night out with her longtime friend Selena Gomez. For the occasion, the Lover hitmaker rocked a black and silver tank top complete with a sequined trim and matching miniskirt, which showcased her toned legs. The 14-time Grammy winner paired her timeless look with a pair of silver metallic platform sandals ($1,190) and Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini bag, which retails for $4,700. Swift's accessories included her custom $6,875 diamond friendship bracelet from her boyfriend Travis Kelce and $3,490 ring from Shahla Karimi Jewelry. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The most expensive and dazzling part of her outfit was her $36,000 Arpeggia One Line earrings, which brought up the total of her look to over $55,000. Meanwhile, Gomez, 32, turned heads in a khaki suit with a plunging brown halter top and a sharp blazer tied over her shoulders. The pals were enjoying a girls' night out at The Monkey Bar in New York City, known for its $36 ice-cold martinis, Crab Rangoon, dry-aged New York strip and truffle monkey bread. Although it is unknown who picked up the check at dinner, Gomez may have put her card down as Swift just splashed out around $360 million to purchase the rest of her music catalog. On Friday, the Cats actress revealed that she struck a settlement with private equity firm Shamrock Capital, which purchased the rights to the records from music mogul Scooter Braun in November 2020. In a hand-written letter posted on her website, Swift, who is worth over $1 billion, claims the money she made from her lucrative Eras tour last year has helped bankroll the purchase of her old material and 'her entire life's work'. She said: 'All I've ever wanted was the opportunity to work hard enough to be able to one day purchase my music outright with no strings attached, no partnership, with full autonomy. ' Swift then thanked Shamrock Capital for their 'honest, fair and respectful' way they handled the deal, adding: 'I really felt like they saw it for what it was to me: My memories and my sweat and my handwriting and my decades of dreams.' She then joked: 'My first tattoo might just be a huge shamrock in the middle of my forehead.' Justin Bieber's old manager Scooter controversially acquired the rights to Taylor's material for S300million after buying her old record label, Big Machine Media, in 2019 before selling them on to Shamrock Capital for profit. The Love Story singer, who branded Scooter a 'bully' for tactics, was unaware of his plan and also claimed when she previously approached Big Machine label head Scott Borchetta about buying her masters beforehand, he allegedly would only sell her them one at a time, starting from her earliest, least-profitable recordings. In exchange for the option to buy the masters back, Taylor claimed she would have to record a new album for the label in exchange for each old recording she bought, shackling her to Big Machine for years to come just when she was eager to leave the label. The singer posted an emotional Tumblr telling fans she made the 'excruciating choice to leave behind my past. 'Music I wrote on my bedroom floor and videos I dreamed up and paid for from the money I earned playing in bars, then clubs, then arenas, then stadiums.' She added: 'Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter. 'Any time Scott Borchetta has heard the words 'Scooter Braun' escape my lips, it was when I was either crying or trying not to. 'He knew what he was doing; they both did. Controlling a woman who didn't want to be associated with them. In perpetuity. That means forever.' She added that when she heard the news: 'All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I've received at his hands for years.' Swift then listed a string of examples accusing Kim Kardashian and Kanye West – then Braun's client – of bullying. Shamrock acquired the master recordings to Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Reputation – which Taylor has now regained ownership of, having previously led a campaign to re-record her first six albums, four of which she's successfully completed. Reputation (Taylor's Version) was heavily tipped to be her next release and the singer addressed the rumors in her open letter, saying it's the 'one album I thought couldn't be improved upon by redoing it' but teased she may still record another version, as well as offer up 'unreleased Vault tracks' from that album. Taylor says she has re-recorded the entirety of her debut self-titled album which, like Reputation, will 're-emerge when the time is right.' Music sources had previously claimed Scooter played a role in helping Taylor and Shamrock Capital agree a deal for the buy-back, in a bid to claim much-needed positive PR in wake of her career imploding following his feud with the singer. In a hand-written letter posted on her website, Swift, who is worth over $1 billion, claims the money she made from her lucrative Eras tour last year has helped bankroll the purchase of her old material and 'her entire life's work' Swift then thanked Shamrock Capital for their 'honest, fair and respectful' way they handled the deal, adding: 'I really felt like they saw it for what it was to me: My memories and my sweat and my handwriting and my decades of dreams' But according to sources close to the contract negotiations, he played zero part. An insider told MailOnline: 'Contrary to a previous false report, there was no outside party who 'encouraged' this sale. 'All rightful credit for this opportunity should go to the partners at Shamrock Capital and Taylor's Nashville-based management team only. Taylor now owns all of her music, and this moment finally happened in spite of Scooter Braun, not because of him.'
