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The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lucinda Williams: ‘My singing is better now than it was before my stroke'
You've played many prestigious venues in your career. How do you feel about gracing the Sydney Opera House stage? It's on a lot of people's bucket list, so I'm very excited. I've been doing this show [Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets, based on Williams' memoir] at different venues. When I play, I always tell a little story about each song anyway, but this is where I stretch out and go more into detail, and I've got a visual screen behind me showing photographs of some of the characters I refer to in the songs. It's similar to Bruce Springsteen's Broadway show. You're touring with Paul Kelly, who's a national treasure here, but not as celebrated in Europe and America. Should he be better known beyond our shores? Yes. Absolutely. That's one of the issues in America that really bothers me, because if someone stands out, instead of holding them up, we just call them a cult artist or whatever. When I was first starting out, the record companies kept saying they didn't know what to do with me, because my music fell between the cracks between country and rock, which is now referred to as Americana. Being unique and original doesn't always work in the record business. It's all about marketing. You had a stroke in November 2020. Can you describe your recovery – can you play guitar any better now? I can sing better; I can't play guitar better. But I've been blessed with two brilliant guitar players, Doug Pettibone, who's been with me for a while, and a new one, Marc Ford, who was in the Black Crowes. It works really well, I can just concentrate on my singing. A lot of people have approached me and said that my singing was better now than it was before my stroke. What's the most memorable first date you've been on, good or bad? Oh, Gawd. First of all, I didn't like the whole idea of dating, because I was so shy. The whole idea of going out to dinner and a movie would just terrify me, because I would just feel really self-conscious. But I remember being asked to dinner by this guy, and sitting down at the table and hearing him say he'd already eaten. That just really turned me off. I thought it was extremely rude. What's the best lesson you've learned from someone you've worked with? I was working with an engineer, Dusty Wakeman, on the Sweet Old World album. I was complaining about an itty-bitty tiny mistake that I'd made, and he told me about how Native American Indians, when they'd weave a blanket, they would leave a mistake in the weaving on purpose. You are a road warrior. When you check in to a hotel, what's the first thing you do? I'm a road worrier! People tease me all the time about worrying too much. What's the first thing I do? Well, it depends on if we have a show that night or what's going on. But after we check in, I like to sit down in a regular chair or on the couch. Just to be able to be off the bus and sit in a regular piece of furniture feels really good. What was the song you last played on Spotify? I don't use Spotify. Mainly because, you know, the artists hardly get paid. My music's not on Spotify. [Lucinda's husband and manager Tom Overby interjects off camera: 'Yes it is!'] Oh, wait a minute. I made a mistake. Would you consider withdrawing your music from Spotify, as Neil Young did temporarily, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have more recently? Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion [Tom in background: 'Yes, we may.'] Yes, we may do that. [Raises voice] Manager/husband Tom said yes, we may withdraw my music from Spotify! … I think the new album probably won't be available on there. You have to make a stand and get your message across when this sort of thing crops up. I've enjoyed your Lu's Jukebox series, particularly the album of Tom Petty covers, Runnin' Down a Dream. What's a song you wish you'd written? Oh, so many. That's the thing that's probably the hardest about covering other people's material. So many of Tom Petty's and so many of Bob Dylan's songs I wish I'd written. One of the Tom Petty ones that really struck me was Room At the Top. And of course Runnin' Down a Dream too, it just goes on and on. He was just great. What's the weirdest thing you have done for love? The weirdest thing I've done for love? OK … the weirdest thing I've done for love. That adds a different element … It's not called 10 chaotic questions for nothing! OK, does this count? I got married on stage [to Tom] at First Avenue, the eponymous venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lucinda Williams is touring with Paul Kelly around Australia and New Zealand from 26 August to 12 September. See here for all dates
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lucinda Williams: ‘My singing is better now than it was before my stroke'
You've played many prestigious venues in your career. How do you feel about gracing the Sydney Opera House stage? It's on a lot of people's bucket list, so I'm very excited. I've been doing this show [Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets, based on Williams' memoir] at different venues. When I play, I always tell a little story about each song anyway, but this is where I stretch out and go more into detail, and I've got a visual screen behind me showing photographs of some of the characters I refer to in the songs. It's similar to Bruce Springsteen's Broadway show. You're touring with Paul Kelly, who's a national treasure here, but not as celebrated in Europe and America. Should he be better known beyond our shores? Yes. Absolutely. That's one of the issues in America that really bothers me, because if someone stands out, instead of holding them up, we just call them a cult artist or whatever. When I was first starting out, the record companies kept saying they didn't know what to do with me, because my music fell between the cracks between country and rock, which is now referred to as Americana. Being unique and original doesn't always work in the record business. It's all about marketing. You had a stroke in November 2020. Can you describe your recovery – can you play guitar any better now? I can sing better; I can't play guitar better. But I've been blessed with two brilliant guitar players, Doug Pettibone, who's been with me for a while, and a new one, Marc Ford, who was in the Black Crowes. It works really well, I can just concentrate on my singing. A lot of people have approached me and said that my singing was better now than it was before my stroke. What's the most memorable first date you've been on, good or bad? Oh, Gawd. First of all, I didn't like the whole idea of dating, because I was so shy. The whole idea of going out to dinner and a movie would just terrify me, because I would just feel really self-conscious. But I remember being asked to dinner by this guy, and sitting down at the table and hearing him say he'd already eaten. That just really turned me off. I thought it was extremely rude. What's the best lesson you've learned from someone you've worked with? I was working with an engineer, Dusty Wakeman, on the Sweet Old World album. I was complaining about an itty-bitty tiny mistake that I'd made, and he told me about how Native American Indians, when they'd weave a blanket, they would leave a mistake in the weaving on purpose. You are a road warrior. When you check in to a hotel, what's the first thing you do? I'm a road worrier! People tease me all the time about worrying too much. What's the first thing I do? Well, it depends on if we have a show that night or what's going on. But after we check in, I like to sit down in a regular chair or on the couch. Just to be able to be off the bus and sit in a regular piece of furniture feels really good. What was the song you last played on Spotify? I don't use Spotify. Mainly because, you know, the artists hardly get paid. My music's not on Spotify. [Lucinda's husband and manager Tom Overby interjects off camera: 'Yes it is!'] Oh, wait a minute. I made a mistake. Would you consider withdrawing your music from Spotify, as Neil Young did temporarily, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have more recently? Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion [Tom in background: 'Yes, we may.'] Yes, we may do that. [Raises voice] Manager/husband Tom said yes, we may withdraw my music from Spotify! … I think the new album probably won't be available on there. You have to make a stand and get your message across when this sort of thing crops up. I've enjoyed your Lu's Jukebox series, particularly the album of Tom Petty covers, Runnin' Down a Dream. What's a song you wish you'd written? Oh, so many. That's the thing that's probably the hardest about covering other people's material. So many of Tom Petty's and so many of Bob Dylan's songs I wish I'd written. One of the Tom Petty ones that really struck me was Room At the Top. And of course Runnin' Down a Dream too, it just goes on and on. He was just great. What's the weirdest thing you have done for love? The weirdest thing I've done for love? OK … the weirdest thing I've done for love. That adds a different element … It's not called 10 chaotic questions for nothing! OK, does this count? I got married on stage [to Tom] at First Avenue, the eponymous venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lucinda Williams is touring with Paul Kelly around Australia and New Zealand from 26 August to 12 September. See here for all dates
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean shares first look at its new Broadway show
Royal Caribbean shares first look at its new Broadway show originally appeared on TravelHost. When Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated new Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, sets sail from Port Canaveral, Florida beginning in August, families will get to experience an all-new entertainment lineup worthy of the ship's name and class. For its newest Icon of family vacations, Royal Caribbean isn't settling for just any old Broadway show for its headliner. The cruise line is breaking barriers in family cruise ship entertainment (and breaking the time barrier) as it brings 'Back to the Future: The Musical' direct from Broadway to the Royal 'Back to the Future: The Musical' straight from Broadway to Star of the Seas isn't instantaneous, however. Royal Caribbean's entertainment team couldn't just jump in Doc Brown's DeLorean time machine and hit 88 miles per hour. The show's cast and crew have been rehearsing for several weeks, and as they finally move their rehearsals to the stage at sea and count down to opening night, Royal Caribbean shared a sneak peek of the show as the production completed its final studio Caribbean shares look at 'Back to the Future' rehearsals Transcript: Christi Coachman, VP, Royal Caribbean Entertainment: The rehearsal process here over the last several weeks has been intense. We only have a few weeks to get all the material out, so it's really important that we stay on track. JP Christensen, Sr. Director, Royal Caribbean Productions: The Back to the Future team is at a point with the cast now, that they're really working through who their characters are, learning their choreography, learning their staging, learning their script and score. It continues to change. Just a few days ago, they're making edits to the script because we've got to fit it into our timeline that we can show on board to our guests. Christi Coachman: So, today is the final run of Back to the Future, and the cast have really found their way. Greg Graham, Sr. Manager, Casting Operations: Cast members walked in here ready to go, ready to fire on all cylinders. They have a lot of information that they're trying to apply. Christi Coachman: The energy with this cast is electrifying. They're really playing off with each other, and that's what makes the work come to life on stage, is that camaraderie and that passion that they have for each 'Back to the Future' creators shaped Royal Caribbean production Greg Graham: 'Back to the Future' is so successful because of the brilliance behind it and what the writers originally created, and we're doing it in a truncated version. JP Christensen: Condensing the story of Back to the Future is actually a very interesting process. We have John Rando here, who's the original director for the West End and Broadway production, Tony winner. We have Bob Gale, who also wrote the book, Oscar nominee. He is hands-on in the trenches to make the story work in a 90-minute version. Christi Coachman: Not many people have the opportunity to say that they've worked with the original writer and creator of a movie. Making an adaptation of an original score and script, it's important for us to make sure we get it right, to keep the standards high, to keep the integrity high. We know that we are going to have a really curated, bespoke production, specifically created just for Star of the Seas. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Royal Caribbean's 'Back to the Future' gets strong first response Alex Marchant, Sr. Director, Royal Caribbean Entertainment: We just saw the first rendition of Royal Caribbean's production of 'Back to the Future: The Musical.' It was just spectacular. Christi Coachman: I just can't believe what I saw. This production is by far the best thing that we've ever done. The talent, the choreography, everything that we really imagined has come together perfectly, and I am so proud of the entire team. Jacob Beresford, 'Marty McFly': It was so great to have some energy being thrown at us from moments that we actually might not have ever known would get a laugh or a response. Justin R.G. Holcomb, 'Doc Brown': When you get that live audience, you start getting a response. Having hundreds of people watching you and loving what you're doing and responding, that really boosts everything on stage. Jason Capewell, Resident Artistic Director: That was really incredible. It was such a great first run with an audience, and the audience seemed so receptive and so behind it. They were laughing in all the right moments, applauding when we wanted them to applaud, and the cast did a wonderful job, so I am so of the Seas' musical set to electrify audiences Christi Coachman: I cannot wait for our guests to experience this live on the stage, multi-generational, everybody's going to love it. Alex Marchant: Lead characters all the way through the ensemble, they are just selling every single character they're playing. I think the audience are buying into every moment of the show. This is an incredible piece of work. Jason Capewell: I'm immensely proud, and I kept looking over at Bob and I kept looking over at John, and they were beaming throughout as well. They've done such a great job with cutting the show to how we need it to be. John Rando, Director: This is a great cast, and I was really surprised and happy with how much effort and energy they put not only into the performance today, but into the weeks of rehearsal they've been in. Bob Gale, Writer: It's been a joy to work with them. They're really focused, they're really energized, and they want to share that with audiences. It was one of the best reactions we've ever had to the show. The quality of what Royal Caribbean is delivering is incredible. The audience is going to have one of the best experiences they could imagine in seeing an absolutely fabulous musical really done well.'Back to the Future' heads to the stage on board Star of the Seas Christi Coachman: After today's run, we have a lot of work to do still. The cast will head back, start packing, and we are on our way to Finland in Turku, where we'll be joining Star of the Seas. JP Christensen: The next big step with the show is marrying the cast with the environment, with the set, with the costumes, with the props, with the lighting, with the sound, all the other variables that come into creating a show of this caliber. I hope that when audiences see our production of Back to the Future, that they get the same thrill that we got 40 years ago in the theater, falling in love with these characters. And after seeing a few of those rehearsal runs, I know we're on our way to giving that to them. Alex Marchant: I think the audience reaction will be so overwhelming that they will step back from that curtain, it will close, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see the entire cast in tears because it's going to be amazing. Christi Coachman: Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes content from now until opening night.(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Raphael Saadiq Unveils Fall 2025 ‘No Bandwidth' One-Man Show Tour Dates
Raphael Saadiq will be spending one special night in 21 cities across the U.S. later this year on the No Bandwidth: One Man, One Night, Three Decades of Hits Tour. 'I've always wanted to do a one-man show,' the musician said in a statement. 'I want to challenge myself. My one-person show has three acts; I will be talking about my career, bringing a couple of instruments to express myself, singing my original music as well as covers of songs I wish I had written, and more. I want it to feel magical and like a Broadway show.' The No Bandwidth Tour began with a three-date stint earlier this year. It was a chance for the veteran musician to showcase his expansive skill set in a new way. In 2024, Saadiq told Rolling Stone he picked up piano lessons during the pandemic. 'Just really being a student and studying music,' he said. 'Trying to sight read, learning theory, just basic stuff. Then when I do start writing, I have an arsenal.' More from Rolling Stone Jay Som Cracks Open Comeback Album 'Belong' With Two New Singles and 2025 Tour Dates Adam Sandler to Embark on 'You're My Best Friend' Tour This Fall Los Dareyes de la Sierra Announce First-Ever U.S. Tour for 'Redencíon' No Bandwidth will return on Sept. 7 with an opening show in Sacramento. Saadiq will make stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, and more cities. The live run will wrap on Oct. 14 in Nashville. Tickets will be available via artist presale beginning Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. local time, as well as local presale and Spotify presale beginning Thursday, July 10. General sale will follow on Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. local time. Saadiq's one-man show might be the predecessor to a much larger ensemble show. 'I still want to create an 11-piece band,' he told RS, entertaining the idea of creating an Earth, Wind, and Fire-style group. 'I know economically it's not even doable, but I think I could make it work.' For now, it will be all Saadiq during his one-night only concert run. Raphael Saadiq No Bandwidth Tour DatesSept. 7 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24Sept. 8 – San Francisco, CA @ Davies Symphony HallSept. 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ The FordSept. 12 – Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl TheaterSept. 14 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Tucson TheatreSept. 16 – Denver, CO @ Paramount TheatreSept. 19 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic TheatreSept. 21 – Austin, TX @ The Paramount TheatreSept. 22 – Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial CenterSept. 24 – Atlanta, GA @ Cobb Energy Performing Arts CentreSept. 25 – New Orleans, LA @ Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing ArtsSept. 27 – Columbia, SC @ The Township AuditoriumSept. 28 – Durham, NC – DPAC @ Durham Performing Arts CenterSept. 30 – National Harbor, MD @ MGM National HarborOct. 2 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Arts CenterOct. 4 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick TheatreOct. 7 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall of OaklandOct. 8 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago TheatreOct. 10 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft TheatreOct. 11 – Detroit, MI @ Detroit Opera HouseOct. 13 – Louisville, KY @ The Louisville PalaceOct. 14 – Nashville, TN @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center – Laura Turner Concert Hall Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tom Felton continues to show his support for JK Rowling amid trans rights controversies as he attends Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration
Tom Felton continued to show his support for JK Rowling as he attended the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10 year theatre celebration in Hamburg on Thursday evening. The actor, 37, who played Draco Malfoy in the original films from 2001 until 2011, recently revealed he will be reprising his role for the Broadway show. In stark contrast to his co-stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint who have turned their back on Rowling due to her controversial views on trans rights, Tom has been vocal in his support for the author. And on Thursday he appeared in great spirits as he was seen posing for selfies with fans at the Theater am Großmarkt in the German city. Looking stylish for the evening Tom opted for a cream summer blazer jacket and matching trousers. He completed the look with a blue T-shirt and round shades as he smiled for snaps. Rowling has been very vocal on the subject of trans people for several years and following the Supreme Court 's judgment on April 17, the author has consistently referred to transgender women as being 'men'. However while his co-stars have turned frosty against her, more than two decades after Rowling helped give him his big break, Tom doubled down on his support for the franchise's author, insisting he is 'grateful' for what she has done for him. During his appearance at the Tony Awards last month, Tom was asked if the controversy around the writer's views on trans rights affected his work. He replied: 'No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned. The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world. 'Here I am in New York. And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful.' In April, Rowling insisted she would never forgive the younger stars of the film franchise for speaking out against her views on trans rights. Responding to a tweet that asked whether the likes of Daniel and Emma would apologise to the author, 'safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them', she said: 'Not safe, I'm afraid.' 'Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces,' the writer added. Tom also previously expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming Broadway production. He told Variety: 'I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly… that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it's not.' 'I think the most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film. And this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story. And I get to be a dad, which has been fun.' Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026. He shared the exciting news on the Today show last month stating, 'Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 'Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play.' Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by JK Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended. It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts. Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way. 'It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world,' Tom added. 'I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.' After news of Tom's casting went viral, Rowling appeared thrilled, reposting the announcement on X with a flurry of snake and green heart emojis. Tom's interview comes just months after Rowling appeared to take a swipe at Harry Potter stars Daniel, Emma and Rupert in a March social media post shared with her 14.3million followers. She penned a biting response apparently hinting to the trio in response to the question: 'What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?' Without missing a beat, Rowling cryptically wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' She ended her post with three laughing emojis.
