Latest news with #Doncaster-born
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Yungblud hints at 'secret recording' before friend Ozzy Osbourne's death
Yungblud, who performed at Ozzy Osbourne's farewell gig just days before his death, says he had "a lot in the works" with the late Prince of Darkness He has been hailed the new Prince of Darkness thanks to his close friendship with the late Ozzy Osbourne. And as he takes his explosive live shows on a world tour, rising star Yungblud, like his rock mentor, seems more than ready to shake things up. The 28-year-old – real name Dominic Richard Harrison – says: 'I want to achieve what Ozzy did. He was a great inspiration to me.' It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes. And the Doncaster-born singer adds: 'British rock music needs a bit of a kick up the a***.' Ozzy and Dom, who burst on to the music scene in 2018, became friends after the Brummie rocker appeared in the video for Yungblud's song The Funeral in 2022. The pair bonded over their shared love of music and their rebellious nature, with Ozzy gifting Dom one of his famous crucifix necklaces. Yungblud was among huge bands such as Metallica and Guns N' Roses who performed at Black Sabbath's final gig at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. He gave a heartfelt rendition of Changes, the No1 hit Ozzy recorded with daughter Kelly in 2003, to the 45,000-strong crowd. Speaking before Ozzy's death, Dom hinted he was working with Sabbath star and at a possible secret recording with his mentor, saying: 'There is a lot in the works as me and Ozzy are friends.' The wild man of rock died aged 76 on July 22 at home in Buckinghamshire after suffering a cardiac arrest. Dom was among big names from the music world, such as Sir Elton John, James Hetfield of Metallica and Marilyn Manson, who attended Ozzy's funeral in Birmingham on July 30. It is established singers like Ozzy and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury that Yungblud can thank for paving the way for his soaring success. He says: 'People like Freddie Mercury and Elton John, they are huge. When I released my first single, Hello Heaven, Hello a few months ago, Brian May actually sent me an email to say how he loved it as the song is over nine minutes long – longer than Bohemian Rhapsody. 'The old boys of music have been such a source of inspiration for me as that was when pure emotion was injected into music. 'Freddie and Brian were always such massive influences. Brian told me to keep evolving as he watched Freddie evolve and he loved my music. It was an honour.' And as well as being close to Ozzy, Dom also counts Queen's lead guitarist as a pal. He says: 'Brian May and I are friends. I would love to do a song with Brian and I have been working with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. It is my dream, man. 'That is why I named my new album Idols as I have looked at people my whole life, but it is time to look to myself. I guess we always look back, but it is time to look forward.' In homage to Queen, Dom included the We Will Rock You style 'clap-along song' Ghosts on his new album. He says: 'I'm gonna make you all clap and imagine that I'm in the O2 next year. It can't come quick enough!' The hope is that his Idols tour – which starts last this month with 21 dates in the US followed by Canada, Europe and a string of UK gigs next spring – will help cement him as one of Britain's biggest male solo stars. Timed with this is the release of a documentary, Yungblud: Are You Ready, Boy?, which hits cinemas later this month. The feature-length film, directed by Bafta-winner Paul Dugdale, charts Dom's early life growing up in Doncaster and shows him performing at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, the birthplace of David Bowie's album Heroes, and U2's Achtung Baby. Ever proud of his northern roots, Dom made his new album in Leeds so it could have an authentic vibe. He says: 'I don't think I've ever been more proud to stand by anything I've ever made. This album was made with love by four people in the North of England.' The album features Yungblud singing a ballad, which Dom reveals he was inspired to include by pop star Lewis Capaldi. Dom says: 'When I was making this album, I was really close with Lewis... I've always been shouting a lot, and he just said, 'Just sing, man' and so I am.' To get ready for his tour, the rocker cut back on the beer and got into shape through boxing training. He says: 'I like the new physique. I will take it if people say I look like Iggy Pop any day, or Bowie during the Thin White Duke era. 'They were big inspirations to my body and I am just trying to be like them. I am ready to work and kick ass.' And ready to conquer the globe... He adds: 'The whole world is f***** up right now and we have to find a sense of unity. We have to find a sense of common ground and means of co-existing and compromise. 'We need to look at each other; we are all human and we have that in common. My new album has a nod to Britpop and British music. 'I'm really proud to be British and I really wanna take our ideas and our vibes all over the world.'
Daily Mail
29-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Teenage soldier, 19, dies after collapsing during physical training session at North Yorkshire barracks
A 'proud and passionate' teenage soldier collapsed and died during a physical training session with his battalion, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. Private Harry Johnson, 19, was just three months into his military career when the tragedy occurred at Vimy Barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire, last Thursday. The youngster had only signed up to the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion in April, with his superiors revealing that he had already shown 'enormous potential' as a soldier. Pte Johnson, who had passed basic training earlier this month, had been awarded Best Shot at his pass off parade before joining the Bruneval Platoon to begin training as a paratrooper. Paying tribute to the Doncaster-born teenager, the MoD today released a statement describing Pte Johnson as 'one of the hardest working members of the platoon,' as well as being 'reliable and disciplined'. The MoD continued: 'In 13 weeks, the only fault his training team could find was one day spotting some loose threads on his uniform. 'Pte Johnson's determination and selflessness were highlighted on field training exercises, being the first to volunteer to help those around him and making them laugh with his reaction to the thought of wet and dry drills. 'Despite not being the biggest soldier, his high standards of physical fitness, coupled with his determination and courage, meant he often punched above his weight, consistently performing at the top of the platoon.' It went on to describe the young soldier as someone who carried out tasks 'with a smile on his face and a genuine love for the job,' and showed 'evident love for his family and girlfriend, with whom he spoke regularly.' His death, the statement added, was 'a tragic blow' to his colleagues and loved ones. Lieutenant Colonel Ben Jesty, commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, said the army had been left 'heartbroken' by his death. 'Tipped to be a future P Company Champion, he was the kind of young soldier that the country needs: fit, determined, disciplined and selfless. 'Vitally, he had the sense of humour to laugh at the eccentricities of Army life. He was a credit to his friends and family, to whom we offer our most heartfelt condolences at this awful time.' Pte Sam Birbeck, who trained alongside him in Bruneval Platoon, recalled the teenager's 'quiet yet engaging personality' and said: 'Harry was a genuine, talented, and caring individual who made a positive impression on those around him.' Another of his peers, Pte Cayden Dalgity, described Harry as 'a good guy who was always willing to help others. He was someone you could rely on.' Sergeant Foreman, Platoon Sergeant, said the young soldier was on track to 'becoming one of Britain's finest.' He added: 'His quiet resilience, determination, and the grit required to even begin that journey are not ordinary. They are qualities found in the best of us. 'Those who trained beside him will remember his loyalty and integrity.' Infantry recruits typically spend 28 weeks at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick. The MoD said in a statement: 'It is with immense sadness we confirm the death of Private (Pte) Harry Johnson of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion on 24th July 2025. 'He died following a physical training session at Vimy Barracks, Catterick. He was 19 years old. Our thoughts are with Pte Johnson's family and friends at this sad time.'
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots gig cancelled by chart-topping sensation amid health issue
The 27-year-old hit star has been forced to cancel his performance in Dundee upon medical advice as he took to social media to update fans. Chart-topping success Yungblud has announced the cancellation of one of his Scottish gigs. The musician, real name Dominic Harrison, has been forced to reschedule his Dundee show. The Zombie singer had been set to perform at Dundee's Livehouse tomorrow, Thursday 10 July. However after hitting medical concerns and being diagnosed with tonsillitis, he announced on social media the unfortunate news he has pulled out. Although the Doncaster-born singer has been instructed to stay on bed rest for two days to prevent further voice damage, he has reassured fans that he should still be able to perform for fans in Liverpool this coming Friday. Sharing the update with fans on Instagram he said: " Dundee, I have some bad news. This morning I was diagnosed with tonsillitis. "I'm trying to get them out, but I need to find some time as obviously I'm on the road all the time. The doctor has asked me to stay in bed for two days to make sure I don't do any damage to my voice." The 27-year-old continued, "I'm so sorry I never wanna let any of you down these intimate shows me so much to me. Being close to you all means so much to me. "I'm gonna have to reschedule the show for a later date but I'll be there in Liverpool on Friday." "Information will be provided in the coming days. I love you all," he concluded in his post. Any Dundee fans who will miss out on seeing Yungblud may have a chance to soon. Last month he announced he would be embarking on a world tour, which will see him perform a set in Glasgow as he travels the world performing songs from his new album Idols. Yungblud is set to take to the stage on April 20 next year at the OVO Hydro. Fans who attend the show have been promised his "most personal and ambitious project yet." A statement from the OVO Hydro read: "YUNGBLUD, the boundary-pushing artist from Doncaster, has taken the world by storm with two UK #1 albums, six billion global Spotify streams, and back-to-back entries in the Billboard Top 100. "In 2024, he launched his own festival, Bludfest with over 22,000 attendees and generated over 200m views, and became a Sunday Times bestselling author with You Need to Exist. "Now, in 2025, YUNGBLUD returns with his most personal and ambitious project yet—Idols, a genre-defying album born from a journey of reinvention, rebellion, and radical self-expression.
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Louis Tomlinson admits being 'very proud' of Harry Styles in rare comment
Louis Tomlinson has opened up about his former bandmate Harry Styles, admitting he couldn't be prouder of the global mega-star for 'taking over the world' Louis Tomlinson has revealed he's "very proud" of his former bandmate Harry Styles. The two found fame as one-fifth of One Direction back in 2010, after former Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger spearheaded the decision to create the band on The X Factor. Despite finishing the show in third place, the band, consisting of Louis, 33, Harry, 31, Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 32, and the late Liam Payne, 31, they went on to find fame across the globe and became one of the biggest selling boybands of all time. For five years, the band toured the globe, racked up countless Number 1 records and dozens of awards before making the decision to start a hiatus. However, just one year later, it emerged that their hiatus had turned into a permanent split. But since then, all five members have gone on to carve out successful solo careers. Now, Doncaster-born Louis has silenced speculation that he has become distant from his bandmates as he opened up about his bond with Cheshire's Harry. Speaking on a new podcast, he said he's in regular contact. "I do still know him," he said on the Yoto Daily Soccer Aid Special podcast. Louis went on to say: "I used to be in a band with him, we're not in a band anymore so that's what happens. But yeah, still good friends with him. "Still very, very proud of him, taking over the world, definitely." Fans have since reacted to the sweet admission, with one writing: "Oh God, that's so cute." A second went on to add: "My heart just exploded." "I'm sobbing so f***ng hard. Nobody speak to me. This is the best day ever," exclaimed a third. Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Today just became the best day of my life." Since launching their solo careers, Louis has gone on to release two studio albums, Walls, which charted at Number Four in 2020, as well as Faith in the Future, which saw him take Number One in November 2022. Elsewhere, Harry's debut album charted at Number One, with his second taking the second spot, and his third solo album, Harry's House, hitting the top spot across the globe. He's also bagged an impressive six BRIT Awards and three solo Grammy Awards – despite being nominated nine times. Louis' comments come just days before he'll walk out onto the pitch at Old Trafford as part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The musician will play alongside the likes of Tom Grennan, Roman Kemp, Toni Duggan, Jill Scott, Alex Brooker, Angryginge and James Nelson-Joyce. Speaking about taking part in the match, Louis told TV Week: "It's the only real opportunity you get to play in a football game of that magnitude if you're not a professional footballer. So it's very exciting for a football fan, and coupled with all the good that the charity has done over the past two decades, it's remarkable really." But there's one moment that sticks out in Louis's head, playing against Niall in the 2016 game. He said: "I played against my One Direction bandmate Niall Horan in 2016. I'm the kind of guy who will rub it in your face when I win. So I kind of enjoyed having that over Niall for a couple of years!" Louis' younger sisters, twins Daisy and Phoebe, will be on hand to offer their support in the stands. Speaking previously to the Mirror, Phoebe, said: "Obviously, with Louis playing, I've only attended once, but it was really fun. Super excited, Louis playing just makes it more interesting and a bit more funny as well." Daisy commented: "I wouldn't say I feel as nervous seeing him play football than sing but I probably should. He sings more than he plays football but I heard he's been putting in the graft in training so I shouldn't feel too nervous on the day." The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, and will air on ITV1 and ITVX.
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I love Bowie and Freddie Mercury and I always wanted to be a photo on someone's wall, says Yungblud ahead of new album
Read on to find out how Yungblud turned personal struggles and iconic influences into his boldest album yet BLUD BROTHERS I love Bowie and Freddie Mercury and I always wanted to be a photo on someone's wall, says Yungblud ahead of new album Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE idea for Yungblud's new album Idols came after a chance encounter with a fan who claimed he'd saved her life. The Doncaster-born rocker — real name Dominic Harrison — recalls: 'There was a video going round a couple of months ago about a fan crying, saying, 'You saved my life'. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The Doncaster-born rocker, real name Dominic Harrison, opens up about the inspiration behind his new album 'Idols' Credit: Tom Pallant 6 The singer's new project explores feelings of identity Credit: Tom Pallant 6 Harrison, says there are 'no gimmicks' with his new album Credit: Supplied "I said to her, 'Darling, I've never met you. You saved your own life. Maybe music was the soundtrack, but it was you who did it all'.' Speaking via video call, a svelte and healthy-looking Yungblud explains how the moment forced him to rethink the idea of hero worship. 'I called the album Idols because we all have these photographs on our walls — but why do we credit our emotional growth to people we've never even met, instead of to ourselves?' he says. 'I never met Bowie or Freddie Mercury, but I love them. I always wanted to be someone's photo on the wall — but that's all it is.' READ MORE MUSIC NEWS LIVE FOREVER Liam Gallagher appears to confirm Oasis future beyond reunion tour Writing the album became a way to explore the feelings of influence and identity. Best work yet 'When you're in your formative years, you're inspired by everything — musicians, your mum, your dad, a sports star. You absorb it all, churn it up inside you, and spit it out as something new. "Something individual. That's what I wanted this album to be — a celebration of individuality.' It's a typically chaotic afternoon when I'm finally connected to Yungblud, who's grinning from the back seat of a cab. 'I'm on my way to Paris,' he says in his unmistakable Yorkshire drawl. 'The album's blown up in France, so I've got to go give the French a bit of love.' As we speak, he's weaving through queues at St Pancras International, waving and shouting 'Bonjour!' to fans who clock him mid-call. 'I'm always on me travels or something,' he says with a laugh. 'But I'm vibing.' YUNGBLUD - teresa Idols is Yungblud's best work yet — the first half of a double concept album he started writing four years ago, just after Weird! topped the album charts. 'I was dissuaded from doing Idols after Weird! because Weird! was so commercially successful,' he says. 'I went and worked with a load of songwriters — and when you do that, you've got seven people a week telling you what Yungblud should do next. I had to figure that out for myself.' 'I didn't want to make vapid songs that sound great on the radio. Yeah, we've got a couple of f**king radio bangers on this record, but I wanted to make one album that's a through line — classic and timeless. "There's no gimmicks, man. None. This is me leaving everything on the table, showing the world what I can do. "That's why I orchestrated everything. I did everything I could to make it as deep and five-dimensional — lyrically and musically — as I possibly could.' I've had a strange relationship with the internet because the polarisation of people loving me so hard and hating me is not a stable ground to walk. You never know when you're about to step on a landmine. Yungblud has always been open about the critics who've tried to tear him down. 'When you're 19, from the north, full of spunk, writing songs about hating Brexit, and you get way bigger than you ever expected, the mainstream starts making you insecure about things you didn't even know about yourself,' he says. 'I've had a strange relationship with the internet because the polarisation of people loving me so hard and hating me is not a stable ground to walk. "You never know when you're about to step on a landmine. "People have questioned my authenticity and I'm not going to lie, it did get to me. It would be easier to just bullsh*t everyone.' That search for something real led him back home. Yungblud decamped to Leeds, just a few miles from where he grew up, to write and record Idols. 'I needed to go back north, to family,' he says. 'Because when you write a record with family, they don't give a f**k about hits, they don't give a fk about radio. "All I want is the truth out here. My mum will tell me when I've been a dick.' Epic rock opera On his journey of reclaiming his self-belief, Yungblud wrote Hello Heaven, Hello, a nine-minute epic rock opera that opens Idols. 'It was the last song I wrote for the album,' he tells me. 'I needed this bridge between the past and now. "It starts shy and unsure like 'Do you love me or do you hate me?' and then takes you on this journey of self-reclamation. It wasn't meant to be nine minutes long.' Inspired by Britpop, Yungblud sees Idols as a celebration of British music. 'I've been all over the world and spent a lot of time in America, but for this album I needed to come home,' he says. 'I love British music, British art — and I'm so happy to be British. I don't think there's enough British music at the forefront of the British music industry right now, so I wanted to make a record that sounded unmistakably British.' I love Irish music too — poets and lyricists like Thin Lizzy, Bob Geldof and Shane MacGowan. He grew up on his dad's favourites — The Stone Roses, Cast, Oasis — while his grandad introduced him to Led Zeppelin, T. Rex and The Beatles. 'I found The Verve myself,' he adds. 'And I really lean on people like Richard Ashcroft — as well as Bowie and Bono, even though he's Irish. It's music from this side of the world. "I love Irish music too — poets and lyricists like Thin Lizzy, Bob Geldof and Shane MacGowan.' The hauntingly poignant Zombie is central to Idols — a powerful ballad inspired by the death of Yungblud's beloved grandma after her battle with alcoholism. Its equally moving video stars Hollywood actress Florence Pugh. 'Zombie came out because of my grandma,' he says. 'She passed from alcohol addiction, and it was one of the hardest things to watch. "She was such a glamorous, beautiful woman who inspired me. Full of life. My grandma and grandad were the main characters in our family — and now they've both passed, Christmas ain't ever the same.' 'I wrote Zombie because watching someone you love silently suffer and deteriorate is devastating. The nurses who cared for her were amazing — a huge inspiration for the song.' Pugh plays a nurse in the emotional video. 'I sent her a DM and asked, and she was into it,' he grins. 'When you've got one of those blue ticks, it does a lot.' Night to remember 'I think the NHS is the single greatest asset we've got in this country, and I wanted to show that. It's a love letter to nurses and I needed a great British artist to tell the story with truth and authenticity. That was Florence.' They wrapped the shoot with a night out to remember. 'We celebrated by necking ten pints of Guinness each at an Irish pub — with a sausage roll and a bag of chips. We didn't go to some Mayfair bar.' Yungblud has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and ADHD, and two years ago started boxing as a way to manage his mental health and body image issues. 'I needed to take control of my life as I had turned to alcohol and food — I was binging,' he reveals. 'I was doing anything to avoid having to face myself. "When you're in the public eye, you become insecure about things you don't know about because someone has said it. Is that what people think of me? 'So, I got sober for eight months and started boxing. I worked on my relationship with food. I managed to find a sense of self-love and I have really found my confidence. "It's so easy when you are a rockstar to be bored at 10 in the morning, so you crack open a beer. "Or when you're on tour and walk into a dressing room where there's a bottle of whisky, a bottle of champagne and three bottles of wine. "If you don't have anything to do, you open one and before you know it you've drunk half a bottle of whisky before you've gone on stage. It's a really easy thing to fall into. 'Now I can have a couple of pints on the weekend or with my Sunday dinner, but I can't go off the rails as I've got to get up in the morning for training. I'm in a period of my life where I'm really enjoying exploring my masculinity. I'm enjoying saying to the world that I'm a f**king man.' "I'll go out and get battered once a week, to blow off steam, but I can't do it more than that because of my boxing.' Reflecting on where he's at right now, Yungblud says: 'I'm in a period of my life where I'm really enjoying exploring my masculinity. I'm enjoying saying to the world that I'm a f**king man.' He adds: 'It's hard for young lads at the moment, especially with Andrew Tate's ideas floating about. "We've got to look after them — teach them there's a compassionate, caring, emotional side to masculinity. "If they fall through the cracks, it's going to be a dark generation.' Emotionally, Yungblud is still drawn to one person, American musician and actor Jesse Jo Stark, who Yungblud confesses is the 'love of my life' but had to pause their relationship because of his personal struggles. 'I needed to go away and work on myself as a man, as I've been doing this job since I was 18 and needed to grow. "We talk every Sunday. I really hope we can work it out as she's a queen, but we need to work on the foundations of the relationship before we jump back in. "It's really hard to navigate this life when there are 10 million people in a relationship of two.' I do things my way Next weekend, Yungblud's very own one-day music festival returns to Milton Keynes Bowl. Curated and headlined by the singer, Bludfest launched in 2024 as a protest against inflated ticket prices — he keeps tickets capped at £49.50 to stay affordable and inclusive. 'It's great because I get to do things my way,' he says. 'No one backed us at first. "We had to bow our heads and tip our caps to all the promoters who didn't think it was going to work. I had to compromise a lot — but we still got 30,000 people to Milton Keynes.' This year's show will feature a fresh setlist packed with new material. 6 Harrison performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2023 Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Next weekend, Yungblud's very own one-day music festival returns to Milton Keynes Bowl on June 21 Credit: Getty 'I'm going to play Hello, Lovesick Lullaby, Zombie and probably Ghosts and Monday Murder from the new album. "We're going to have fun with it. I'm bringing out some mates and we're going to celebrate. "I'm so proud of Lola Young and how far she's come — she was at Bludfest last year,' says Yungblud. 'This year we've got Rachel Chinouriri playing, and I'm excited about her, too. There's so much music I love right now. "Sam Fender — he's a new classic artist, someone who'll still be playing when he's 70. Same with Lewis Capaldi and Fontaines D.C. I love what the Fontaines are doing. "They are really cool. And I'm a big fan of Amyl And The Sniffers. There's a new, exciting culture of rock music happening at the minute and I'm buzzing about it.' Idols is out on June 20 and Bludfest takes place on Saturday, June 21 at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes. 6 Yungblud's Idols is out on June 20 Credit: YUNGBLUD YUNGBLUD Idols
