Latest news with #BlackGrape
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Shaun Ryder says THIS Scottish singer is his 'f****** hero'
"Edwyn Collins (former frontman of Orange Juice) is a big f****** hero of mine," Shaun told the Glasgow Times. The Manchester-born star continued: "A lot of my favourite bands come from Scotland and Glasgow." (Image: Picture credit: Paul Husband) However, most of these bands will be from the past. As Shaun, 62, humorously explained: 'Don't ask me about any new bands, I can't remember any of them. "Bez (of Happy Mondays and Black Grape) and I were doing the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, and we didn't have a clue who most of the artists were. We only knew Busta Rhymes. 'My kids knew who everyone was, but we didn't have a clue." (Image: Picture credit: Paul Husband) Shaun, who is the lead singer for both Black Grape and Happy Mondays, will be coming to the city on November 28 with Black Grape to perform at the Queen Margaret Union. The show will celebrate 30 years since the release of the band's debut studio album, It's Great When You're Straight... Yeah! 'I remember how it all started with that record," Shaun said. He added: '(Paul 'Kermit' Leveridge) and I flew over to Los Angeles and we made the album. We had a great time making it. "I say it all the time, but that first Black Grape album really should have been the last Happy Mondays album." READ NEXT: Barrowland's 'number one fan' to be celebrated after sudden passing Shaun formed Black Grape in 1993 following the disintegration of Happy Mondays. Black Grape was Shaun's first musical project since the split of the Step On hitmakers and was intended to draw a line between his past life and his new one. However, Happy Mondays has split up and got back together multiple times over the last few years. (Image: Picture credit: Paul Husband) The upcoming Glasgow gig comes after Shaun played two nights at the Barrowland Ballroom with Happy Mondays last year. Speaking about the famous East End venue, Shaun said: "The Barrowlands was a f****** great night. 'Glasgow is just brilliant, it's always great." He also shared his thoughts on the space around the Barrowland. He said: 'There's all this land around the Barrowland and I always thought it would be turned into some kind of 'Northern Quarter' like in Manchester, but it never has." (Image: Picture credit: Paul Husband) Despite his long career in the industry, Shaun says he enjoys making music and performing now more than ever. He added: 'I get asked a lot if I miss the old days, and yes, I had a great time, but it's just brilliant to still be in this f****** mad world and business.' Shaun went on to reveal that Black Grape will be doing another album next year, and that he is currently making the new Happy Mondays record. READ NEXT: Tom Holland takes selfies with fans on Spider-Man 4 set in Glasgow Tickets are still available for Black Grape's Glasgow gig. To purchase tickets, visit
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Shaun Ryder predicts Oasis will blow away Scottish fans with best shows ever
The Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman, 62, has made the prediction despite narrowly missing out on either of his bands being chosen as support on the Oasis Live '25 tour. Shaun Ryder has predicted Oasis will blow away their Scottish fans with their best shows ever. The Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman, 62, has made the prediction despite narrowly missing out on either of his bands being chosen as support on the Oasis Live '25 tour. Ryder, who attended three of the five Oasis shows at Manchester's Heaton Park last week, says they are sounding better than anyone could have hoped for and will blow the roof off Murrayfield stadium. He said: 'Our manager Alan McGee thought that we should be on the bill for the Oasis tour, but Noel left it to 'Our Kid' who wanted Cast and Richard Ashcroft. 'Cast are brilliant, Richard's brilliant, so that's how it is. Still, I saw Oasis play three nights at Heaton Park and my missus went with the girls three times. Oasis were brilliant. 'Liam is back. His voice is sounding great. His singing is great. He's a proper frontman. It's a tight band. Oasis are sounding better than ever. 'It's a great show. What I saw in Manchester was just brilliant. I don't think anyone has a bad word about the shows. Before people were saying it would be cabaret, but it isn't. It's just really good.' Ryder, who was part of a Madchester scene that helped inspire Oasis to form back in the early 1990s. He also revealed he introduced Noel Gallagher to another of his idols, Scots singer Donovan, who is the grandfather of his daughter Oriole. Ryder said: 'I knew Noel back in the day and I introduced Liam to Donovan when Donovan didn't know who he was. 'I know it happened. I can just about remember it. I was off my nut doing a lot of Temazepam at the time and eating eggs like they were going out of fashion.' Oasis will play in front of over 200,000 fans across the three shows on Friday, Saturday and Tuesday at Murrayfield before finishing up the UK and Ireland leg of their reunion tour in Dublin. Meanwhile, Ryder is bringing Black Grape to Scotland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band's classic debut album It's Great When You're Straight… Yeah. Looking ahead to the shows, the former heroin and crack cocaine addict says his memory of previous trips north of the border is sketchy at best. He said: 'In the early days, we had a bigger following in Scotland than in Salford. 'But I don't really remember much because the first few years of coming to Scotland, I spent more time wandering around various council estates trying to score some gear than I did playing gigs.' He also has limited recall of recording It's Great When You're Straight… Yeah. The band will perform the classic 1995 album at Glasgow's QMU on November 28, which the band will perform at Glasgow's QMU on November 28. Ryder said: 'I know we recorded it. I know where we recorded it and that we even ended up in Great Yarmouth at one point because there's a photo of us at the amusement arcade on the inner sleeve. I'm pretty sure it was Great Yarmouth. 'We were in America as well. They put us in a mansion in Los Angeles, It had eight luxurious bedrooms, but Bez and I ended up in a wardrobe smoking crack.' After several spells in rehab, Ryder has since given up drug use. The father-of-six added: 'I knocked it all on the head at 40 and I'm 63 in a few days. I still have a beer, but I've not touched smack or crack cocaine in 20 years. 'I'd got to 40 and my kids were just getting older. 'It took about five to six years to sort of get that out of my head, but I'm happy with how things are.' Looking ahead to the QMU date, he added: 'Playing at Glasgow Barrowland in the early days was an experience, and I got punched on the head by one of the bouncers supporting New Order in Scotland with the Happy Mondays. 'Their singer Bernard was always nice to us, but Hooky (bassist, Peter Hook) was a bit of a twat because he thought we were going to rob everything. 'He always had his side eye on. Admittedly, we were nipping into his dressing room and stealing his beer. We got a clip around the ear for that. 'I know we did T in the Park with Black Grape, but I can't remember anything about it other than the fact that Kermit came onstage in a wheelchair. 'You wouldn't see that nowadays with a lot of these young artists. They get a cold, and they cancel the tour. 'You'd have to be on your way to A&E dying for us not to do a show. We did shows in all sorts of conditions.' His career hasn't been without controversy. Happy Mondays' vocalist Rowetta, who left the group in December 2024, recently complained about the conditions during her time with the band. In a series of social media posts earlier this year, she alleged Ryder punched her, knocked her out and left her with 'a black eye' in 2000 on the way to a music festival. Ryder said: 'It was 20 years ago. As far as I'm concerned, it's done and dusted. We all went through solicitors, and I'm not supposed to speak about it. It was 20-odd years ago and there are reasons why it happened, but I've never denied anything. 'She has now been replaced. Now we have Bez's wife and it's all happy families. The band has a big smile on their face and there's no stress.'
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
The legendary Scottish Oasis shows that drew 80,000 people to Loch Lomond
We are looking back at two of the band's most iconic concerts. Oasis have kicked off their highly anticipated reunion tour. The monumental Britpop band have already played two shows in Wales, and will be heading to Scotland next month. On August 8, 9, and 12, the group—fronted by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher—will play three concerts at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium. The last time Oasis performed in Scotland was also at Murrayfield, during their Dig Out Your Soul Tour in 2009. The band's 2009 performance in Edinburgh came just months before their notorious split. Their final show in Scotland —until this August—was a spectacle to remember, but it was another pair of concerts that are perhaps their most memorable in the country. In 1996, when Oasis were arguably at their peak, they played two consecutive nights at Balloch Country Park on the southern edge of Loch Lomond. The unforgettable performances were part of the band's (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Tour, promoting their legendary second album. Over two nights on August 3 and 4, they played to an estimated crowd of around 80,000. But with numerous Scots vaulting over barriers and sneaking into the concerts without tickets, the actual attendance figure could be even higher. With a population of roughly 5,000 at the time, the small village of Balloch was ill-prepared for the whirlwind that Oasis would bring. Whether by train, bus, or car, thousands upon thousands of Scots from across the country descended on the tranquil beauty spot. The sprawling site was nestled at the foot of a hill, encircling the main stage. Meanwhile, the serene Loch Lomond offered a gorgeous backdrop. Images captured during the concerts showcase their sheer magnitude. They transcended mere performances to become a defining moment in Scottish musical history. Sadly, the iconic gigs were marred by sorrow. Local lorry driver James Hunter tragically died after becoming trapped between a truck and a forklift during rehearsals. The incident prompted the band to release a statement reading: "We are devastated that this has happened. Our only thoughts are with his loved ones." Support acts for Oasis included Black Grape, Cast, Ocean Colour Scene, The Bootleg Beatles, and Heavy Stereo. Despite the strong performances from the supporting bands, there was no doubt about who the audience was there for. Delivering tracks from their seminal albums Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis immediately captivated the massive crowd. The band performed powerful renditions of fan-favourites such as Don't Look Back in Anger and Wonderwall alongside other classics like Cast No Shadow and Acquiesce. The shows culminated in a triumphant encore featuring their 1996 hit Champagne Supernova. In true Oasis fashion, they concluded their sets with a rendition of The Beatles' I Am the Walrus. There is officially less than a month to go until Oasis make their triumphant return to Scotland. It is safe to say that excitement is reaching fever pitch. The band's appearances at Murrayfield will be one for the history books. Whether they can recapture the magic that was their concerts by the shores of Loch Lomond, however, remains to be seen.
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic alcohol brand to bring back original cans to shops after 30 years
It's not the only change by Hooch recently BOTTOMS UP Iconic alcohol brand to bring back original cans to shops after 30 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC 90s booze is bringing back its original cans after more than three decades. Shoppers will be able to buy cans of Hooch in its original packaging this summer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Hooch is bringing back its iconic 1990s cans The zesty lemon alcopop is relaunching its 1995 can to celebrate its 30th birthday. The limited-edition can will be available through all retailers including supermarkets that currently stock the 440ml lemon Hooch can. It can also be bought at Good Time In, at £38 for a 24-pack. The limited cans are styled just like the originals – complete with the bold lemon mascot and loud, nostalgic design that had teens everywhere ditching bitter pints for something sweeter. Read more on alcohol CAUGHT ON THE HOPS Craft beer prices have rocketed since start of year amid rising costs Newer-style 440ml Hooch cans are already available in the major supermarkets, with prices starting at £1.68 at Asda. Hooch first landed in 1995 as the fun, fizzy antidote to the 'boring beer' scene, and quickly earned cult status with its cheeky attitude and unforgettable taste. The limited-edition can comes after Hooch made its way into pubs and arenas on taps for the first time. Jacob Barrett, Hooch brand manager, said: 'This isn't just about looking back – it's a celebration of three decades of bold flavour, fun and total rebellion against boring drinks.' 'It's our way of saying cheers to those who've been with us since the beginning, and hello to a new generation of Hooch fans.' More booze news The boozy comeback comes as other 90s favourites make a splash with Bacardi Breezers also making a return. The drinks will come in the flavours Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime and Crispy Watermelon. Fury as cost of 12-pack of beer set to soar by £1 thanks to sinister new tax brought in by Labour They'll be priced at just £2 a bottle. Meanwhile, popular soft drink brand Ka launching its first alcoholic line. They will come in the flavours Black Grape, Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Karnival Twist. Each of the drinks will have Ka's popular flavours mixed with Caribbean white rum. The 330ml cans will be sold for £2.79. It seems brands have been racing to bring out new alcoholic canned drinks for the summer. Shoppers went wild for the latest collection of tinnies from M&S, which include favourites such as mojitos, pina coladas and cosmos. There's also a mint and elderflower Hugo Spritz and a Limoncello Spritz. Meanwhile, Lidl was selling pre-mixed cocktail cans for the bargain price of 89p. It included flavours like the Bitterol Spritz, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito and Pina Colada. Rival Aldi brought out a similar range starting at 99p. Their tinnies include Hard Seltzers and Spicy Margaritas.
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Iconic fizzy drink brand to launch alcoholic drinks for the first time
Plus, find out how to save money on alcohol this summer IN A FIZZ Iconic fizzy drink brand to launch alcoholic drinks for the first time Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic fizzy drink brand is launching a range of alcoholic drinks for the first time. Ka is known for its fruity, Caribbean-inspired soft drinks, often found in supermarkets and corner shops. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A new range of Ka alcoholic mixed drinks will be hitting stores for the summer Credit: AG Barr It's now bringing out four new alcoholic mixed drinks which are sure to be popular over the summer. They will come in the flavours Black Grape, Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Karnival Twist. Each of the drinks will have Ka's popular flavours mixed with Caribbean white rum. The 330ml cans will be sold for £2.79. The soft drink version is usually sold for between 60p and 80p. They launched in Wholesalers first and will be landing on convenience store shelves next week. AG Barr, which owns Ka, said the new range was aimed at shoppers "looking to spontaneously grab drinks - whether en route to a social occasion, to be enjoyed at the park, or at a festival with friends". And with the weather heating up ahead of this weekend, it's perfect timing. Forecasters have said parts of southern England, including London, could see temperatures reach 28C on Friday evening. Numerous brands have been racing to bring out new alcoholic canned drinks for the summer. Shoppers have been going wild for the latest collection of tinnies from M&S, which include favourites such as mojitos, pina coladas and cosmos. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland There's also a mint and elderflower Hugo Spritz and a Limoncello Spritz. Meanwhile Lidl is selling pre-mixed cocktail cans for the bargain price of 89p. They include flavours like the Bitterol Spritz, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito and Pina Colada. Rival Aldi brought out a similar range starting at 99p. Their tinnies include Hard Seltzers and Spicy Margaritas.
