Latest news with #FontainesDC
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Is it time the BrewDog beer empire went flat?
When it launched in 2007, craft beer BrewDog was a 'punk' brand. It's a word that featured on many of the cans of its IPA sold at the Fontaines DC show at Finsbury Park earlier this month, and at summer festivals across the land. It's a sign of something young, cool, edgy. What's not so cool is abruptly closing 10 bars, including BrewDog's flagship outlet in Aberdeen, some within a matter of days. 'Morally repugnant,' said the union Unite, which represents some of the workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the closures. True, companies sometimes have to close outlets when they're losing money, especially if the wider group is in the red and really can't afford to be subsidising places that aren't washing their faces financially. That's the harsh reality. But while that sort of decision is always going to hurt the workers on the receiving end, there are ways and means of handling these things. Unite has raised questions about the firm's tactics, telling the BBC that this is: 'Yet another example of a company that doesn't have the slightest regard for basic employment law, let alone the welfare of their workers.' It says it is working with the affected workers to challenge the decision, legally if necessary. BrewDog was an entertaining and innovative start-up that became a big success, planting its flag overseas and tweaking the nose of the establishment along the way. It had an original way of garnering finance by creating 'equity punks' through crowdfunding. These supporters turned up at sometimes raucous AGMs. The group also had a keen eye for PR stunts. Its critics obligingly went into meltdown when the company launched nuclear-strength beers. In recent years, however, the brand has acquired a coat of tarnish. In 2021, former workers wrote an open letter highlighting what they claimed was a "culture of fear" within the business while alleging "toxic attitudes" towards junior employees. The following year, a BBC investigation aired allegations of inappropriate behaviour on the part of co-founder and now-former CEO James Watt. These were denied. But Ofcom rejected a complaint made by Watt and the company against BBC Scotland on the grounds of 'fairness and privacy'. It said: 'Ofcom's decision is that material facts were not presented, disregarded or omitted in a way that was unfair to the complainants, that they had an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond to the allegations made in the programme, and that their response was fairly reflected in the programme.' Then last April, Watt – who publicly opposed Brexit – was pictured at Nigel Farage's 60th birthday party. Now, I want to be clear here: I really couldn't care less who his friends are, or whose parties he chooses to go to. Business leaders need to engage with all sides for the health of their companies. That's lobbying. It's silly to huff and puff when they do that. But partying with a polarising figure that a large chunk of your customer base reviles is different. The optics are not good. It's a poor business decision. And it was only a few weeks after Farage's party that Watt stepped down from the top job at BrewDog, 17 years after he co-founded the Scottish brewer. The company also decided to cease paying the real living wage, based on the cost of living, in favour of the lower rate mandated by the government, citing the need to return to profitability in a tough climate for the hospitality industry. For his own part, Watt has previously decried those who seek a "work-life balance", rather than what he called "work-life integration", suggesting that if you love you work, you don't need to separate it from your personal life. Much of the hospitality sector has been swimming upstream, it is true. Its businesses have been grappling with higher taxes and costs while consumer confidence is at a low ebb. The country's economic challenges have also hit young people particularly hard. If your rent is gobbling up half your take-home pay, you're going to have to limit what you spend on going out. It's a lot cheaper to buy beer from Tesco and invite friends round than it is to meet up at BrewDog. But one also wonders whether at least some of the company's problems are down to the damage the brand has taken. Brands matter. Companies pour vast sums into building them up. History also teaches us how easy it is to blow them up. If customers stop buying into yours because you've been shooting yourself in the foot and causing them to question your authenticity, then you have a problem. No one would bat an eyelid if, say, Brexit-backing Wetherspoon's boss Tim Martin was spotted out on the town with Farage. Martin is who he is, and doesn't much care who knows it. He's authentically Tim. Is that true of Watt and, by extension, BrewDog, which he is still closely involved with even if he's no longer the CEO? How much are you willing to pay for 'punk' beer that isn't really so punk? A beer that is, in reality, part of the establishment but expects you to pay a premium price that the local Wetherspoon's doesn't demand (far from it). I suspect the answer isn't to BrewDog's taste.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender and Fontaines DC spotted in Co Mayo over the weekend
On Saturday, Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, English singer Sam Fender, and Irish band Fontaines DC lead singer Grian Chatten took a cruise at the Killary Fjord on the border between Co Mayo and Co Galway. Killary Fjord boat tours, which offer 90-minute cruises exploring the fjord, posted a photo on their social media with the famous guests. "Even celebrities can't resist these views,' they wrote on Facebook. "Yesterday, we welcomed the legendary Lewis Capaldi and Fontaines DC aboard, soaking up the magic of Killary Fjord. 'After all the excitement of having Lewis Capaldi and Fontaines DC aboard this weekend, here's the money shot, as captured by crew member Sinead, of the whole gang posing with the true star of Killary Fjord – our beautiful [cruise ship] Connemara Lady,' they added. It was also reported that Capaldi and Fender were both spotted shopping in a Tesco supermarket in Westport, Co Mayo, on Friday, where they took pictures with fans. English star Sam Fender (31), best known for his hit single Seventeen Going Under, is due to hit the stage at the Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois, on Saturday, August 30. Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi (28) is coming back to Ireland for two gigs in Dublin in September as part of a comeback tour after a two-year break to focus on his mental health. The Someone You Loved singer will play Dublin's 3Arena on September 29 and 30, as both shows are now sold out. Meanwhile, Irish band Fontaines DC, consisting of Grian Chatten, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan, Tomm Coll and Carlos O'Connell, are set to headline All Together Now in Curraghmore Estate in Co Waterford on the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Massive Attack, Brian Eno launch syndicate to defend artists criticizing Gaza war
DUBAI: British band Massive Attack, British singer and songwriter Brian Eno, Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC and hip-hop trio Kneecap have launched a syndicate to defend artists criticizing Israel's alleged genocidal war on Gaza. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The group says these artists have been targeted by 'aggressive, vexatious campaigns' orchestrated by pro-Israel groups. In a statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, the musicians expressed concern for emerging artists who they believe are at risk of being 'threatened into silence or career cancellation' by groups such as UK Lawyers for Israel. A post shared by Massive Attack (@massiveattackofficial) 'We're aware of the scale of aggressive, vexatious campaigns operated by UKLFI and of multiple individual incidences of intimidation within the music industry itself, designed solely to censor and silence artists from speaking their hearts and minds,' the statement said. 'Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won't stand by and allow other artists — particularly those at earlier stages of their careers or in other positions of professional vulnerability — to be threatened into silence or career cancellation.' The syndicate was announced amid mounting tensions involving the UKLFI. The group filed a police report against Bob Vylan after the band chanted 'death to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)' during their Glastonbury set, an incident now under police investigation. The UKLFI also filed a complaint with the BBC for broadcasting the performance, and several of the band's upcoming shows have since been cancelled. Mo Chara of Kneecap was also referred to authorities by the UKLFI and later charged with a terrorism offence, accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a live performance. Following the report, Kneecap had several concerts cancelled.
Rhyl Journal
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Nine arrests on final day of Trnsmt takes festival total to 19
Police said the alleged offences included sexual assault, assault, culpable and reckless behaviour, hate crime, possession of weapons and police assault. The arrests were made in and around the area of Glasgow Green where the festival was held between July 11 and 13. The nine arrests on Sunday bring the total number of arrests made over the three days of the event to 19. Police said reports will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Tens of thousands of fans flocked to Glasgow Green over the weekend to hear performances from the likes of Biffy Clyro, 50 Cent, Fontaines DC and Sigrid. Snow Patrol performed the final act of the three-day event on Sunday night and lead singer Gary Lightbody told the crowd playing in the city 'always feels like coming home'. Music fans enjoyed sunny weather over the weekend and braved temperatures of up to 30C. Geoff Ellis, festival director of Trnsmt, said: 'This year's festival has undoubtedly been one of the best to date. 'While the weather has certainly been one of our star bookings, it's the fans who have truly made the weekend so special – a passionate, welcoming mix of ages, united in their love of live music and creating an atmosphere that has been nothing short of exceptional. 'Glasgow Green has provided a perfect setting once again, with the natural shade under the trees offering fans the opportunity to take respite from the sunshine and enjoy the surroundings at their own pace. 'Musically, the weekend has delivered some outstanding moments – Biffy Clyro gave a phenomenal headline performance, Fontaines DC drew a huge and energetic crowd, and Underworld brought an electrifying, club-like energy to the Smirnoff presents King Tut's Stage on Saturday night, following a fantastic set from Jake Bugg. 'It's also been a pleasure to showcase emerging talent: Nell Mescal, Alessi Rose, and Nieve Ella all gave impressive performances and are certainly names to watch for the future. 'I'm incredibly proud of what the entire team has accomplished this year, and I'd like to thank every artist and fan for contributing to such a memorable festival.'
South Wales Guardian
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Nine arrests on final day of Trnsmt takes festival total to 19
Police said the alleged offences included sexual assault, assault, culpable and reckless behaviour, hate crime, possession of weapons and police assault. The arrests were made in and around the area of Glasgow Green where the festival was held between July 11 and 13. The nine arrests on Sunday bring the total number of arrests made over the three days of the event to 19. Police said reports will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Tens of thousands of fans flocked to Glasgow Green over the weekend to hear performances from the likes of Biffy Clyro, 50 Cent, Fontaines DC and Sigrid. Snow Patrol performed the final act of the three-day event on Sunday night and lead singer Gary Lightbody told the crowd playing in the city 'always feels like coming home'. Music fans enjoyed sunny weather over the weekend and braved temperatures of up to 30C. Geoff Ellis, festival director of Trnsmt, said: 'This year's festival has undoubtedly been one of the best to date. 'While the weather has certainly been one of our star bookings, it's the fans who have truly made the weekend so special – a passionate, welcoming mix of ages, united in their love of live music and creating an atmosphere that has been nothing short of exceptional. 'Glasgow Green has provided a perfect setting once again, with the natural shade under the trees offering fans the opportunity to take respite from the sunshine and enjoy the surroundings at their own pace. 'Musically, the weekend has delivered some outstanding moments – Biffy Clyro gave a phenomenal headline performance, Fontaines DC drew a huge and energetic crowd, and Underworld brought an electrifying, club-like energy to the Smirnoff presents King Tut's Stage on Saturday night, following a fantastic set from Jake Bugg. 'It's also been a pleasure to showcase emerging talent: Nell Mescal, Alessi Rose, and Nieve Ella all gave impressive performances and are certainly names to watch for the future. 'I'm incredibly proud of what the entire team has accomplished this year, and I'd like to thank every artist and fan for contributing to such a memorable festival.'
