Latest news with #LoveAndAffection
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Richard Ashcroft announces huge career news days before touring with Oasis
Richard Ashcroft is currently gearing up for the biggest stadium tour of the decade, but the legendary musician is continuing to keep himself busy with his latest record Richard Ashcroft isn't slowing down anytime soon as he prepares to tour with Oasis. The Verve icon will be opening up for brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher on their mammoth stadium tour which kicks off in just a matter of days. But while most people would be throwing themselves into rehearsals, Richard, 53, has been working on his first album in four years, following the release of his 2021 record, Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1. Fans who are flooding to the likes of Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Manchester's Heaton Park and Wembley Stadium will no doubt hear Richard perform some of his biggest hits. Amidst the preparations for the most anticipated tour in music history, the northern legend has been working on Lovin' You, which is slated for release on October 3. The new record opens with its first single, Lover, which is currently being played across the nation today. The song fits into Joan Armatrading's mega hit, Love And Affection, and has even been praised by the songwriter herself, who said: "I love how he's sued my song and I love his song." But the huge track sets the bar for Richard, who is currently at the peak of his game. His forthcoming record will set the tone of his sound, from his acoustic ballads and euphoric indie-rock, while flashing through Americana, soul and electronic beats. But the album is inspired by intimate and personal themes, focusing heavily on love, romance and affecting messages of support for those who are currently battling challenging aspects of their lives. In true Richard style, every song on his upcoming release has been written by him. He also co-produced the record with Chris Potter and Emre Ramazanoglu. One track, I'm A Rebel, has been co-written and produced by Mirwais, who is best known for working with Madonna, after first meeting the Queen of Pop in the late Ninties. Richard, who found fame as the founding member of The Verve, produced hits including Bitter Sweet Symphony and The Drugs Don't Work, has amassed huge success as a solo artist, with all five of his solo albums landing in the Top 5 spots. Later this week, he and Oasis will take to the road, with their friendship spanning decades. He'll perform at all of the upcoming UK shows as a special guest, as well as his own headline show next month. Ahead of the first biblical Oasis gig on Friday, the Mirror revealed just days ago that the band, which includes Liam, Noel, new drummer Joey Waronker and guitarists Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, are gearing up to ensure they sound their best on the tour. A source told us: "With a new lineup and it being such a huge first show, the boys will do some songs inside the venue too. Some tours would start with a smaller show or take a week or two to get into the groove again." They went on to say that the brothers want each show to be "massive". The source continued by saying: "But there is no time for that and also Liam and Noel want every night to be massive." Our insider went on to add: "This is such a huge comeback show and they are taking it very seriously. It all points to it being an incredible comeback tour." Where to see Richard live this summer: July with Oasis 4th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT) 5th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT) 11th - Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT) 12th - Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT) 16th - Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT) 19th - Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT) 20th - Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT) 25th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 26th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 30th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) August with Oasis 2nd - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 3rd - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 8th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 9th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 12th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT) 16th - Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT) 17th - Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT) 23rd - Cornwall, Live At Scurrier House (HEADLINE SHOW) September with Oasis 27th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 28th - London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT) 'Lovin' You' is now available to pre-order here. It will be released on standard black vinyl, CD and digital formats. Get Oasis updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the hotly anticipated Oasis reunion tour grows closer, the Mirror has launched its very own Oasis WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news on the Gallagher brothers and all the information you'll need in the run up to the gigs. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Richard Ashcroft to release new album Lovin' You in October
Richard Ashcroft to release new album Lovin' You in October The former Verve frontman will release his seventh solo record on October 3 – marking his first all-new album since Natural Rebel in 2018. (Image: Getty Images ) Richard Ashcroft has announced the new album Lovin' You. The former Verve frontman will release his seventh solo record on October 3 – marking his first all-new album since Natural Rebel in 2018. The Lovin' You album opens with its first single Lover, which is currently being played on radio stations across the UK and interpolates the Joan Armatrading track Love And Affection. The single sets the standard for a record that finds Ashcroft at the height of his powers. The album spans the many facets of his sound, from his classic string-soaked acoustic balladry and anthemic indie-rock – through to flashes of Americana, soul and glitch electro beats. Its themes are intimate and personal, dominated by love, romance and affecting messages of support for those struggling with life's challenges. The songs on Lovin' You have been written by Ashcroft, who has co-produced the album with Chris Potter and Emre Ramazanoglu. Article continues below There is also the track I'm A Rebel, which has been co-written and produced with Mirwais of Madonna fame. It marks the first new music from Ashcroft since he re-recorded a cover of The Verve track Sonnet for the John Lewis Christmas advert last year. Lovin' You will be released on standard black vinyl, CD and digital formats along with a range of exclusive vinyl variants – his official store offers a neon orange vinyl, Amazon UK have a regular orange version and select independent stores will stock a blue version. Ashcroft will be supporting Oasis on the UK and Ireland dates of their upcoming Oasis Live '25 Tour and spoke of his excitement at getting to open for Noel and Liam Gallagher's first live gigs together for 16 years. The 53-year-old musician said when his slot was confirmed last year: "As a fan from day one I was buzzing for many reasons when the news of Oasis' return was announced. "I can say with no exaggeration that the songwriting talent of Noel and Liam's pure spirit as a lead singer helped to inspire me to create some of my best work. Article continues below "It was the perfection of Live Forever that forced me to try and write my own. They dared to be great, made the dreams we had real and I will always remember those days with joy." He added: "Now it's time to create more memories and I'm ready to bring it. See you next summer. Music is power."
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Princess of Wales joins royal family members in celebrating Commonwealth Day
The Princess of Wales returned to the Family of Nations when she joined the King and Queen in celebrating Commonwealth Day. Kate missed the Westminster Abbey service last year, as did Charles, with both receiving treatment for cancer during a troubling health scare period for the monarchy. Twelve months later ,the Prince and Princess of Wales were photographed sharing a joke with the 2,000-strong congregation as they marked the Commonwealth's 'powerful influence for good in the world'. The Commonwealth Day service is an important date in the royal calendar and a rare occasion when senior royals are seen together – and William and Kate were photographed exchanging kisses with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as they waited for the King to arrive. Outside was a large vocal protest by the anti-monarchy group Republic who held up 'Down with the Crown' banners and the chant 'not my King, not my King' could be heard when Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Abbey's chapter or governing body. Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading performed one of her best known songs, Love And Affection, which had Anne swaying along to the music. Armatrading said after the service: 'I was born in St Kitts so of course the Commonwealth means something to me and I think people need to appreciate the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth is about togetherness. You've got Europe, that's people being together, you've got America, that's people being together, and if you think about both of those places it is different little states coming together and that's what the Commonwealth is about, and it's bringing protection – economically, militarily and environmentally.' In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' was the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. And he celebrated the unity the Commonwealth derives from its diversity: 'In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.' Performers from across the Commonwealth took part in the service, which featured hymns and prayers in support of the institution and its leaders, and Britain's Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba accompanying on piano, played during the service. Guests included hundreds of schoolchildren, diplomatic representatives from the Commonwealth's 56-member states, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Spice Girl Geri Horner. Baroness Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said the Act of Affirmation which included the words: 'United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich tapestry of thought, culture, tradition, and experience which strengthens our bonds.' At the end, the congregation responded: 'We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful influence for good in the world, and pledge ourselves to its service, now and for the future.' Graham Smith, chief executive officer of Republic who led the protests outside the Abbey, said: 'The royals need to stop using the Commonwealth as a vehicle for their own PR. Many Commonwealth countries, notably in the Caribbean, are talking about ditching the royals. 'These countries are also demanding reparations – a reasonable demand considering that Charles refuses to apologise for the royals' role in slavery, despite them profiting from the practice for hundreds of years.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess of Wales joins royal family members in celebrating Commonwealth Day
The Princess of Wales returned to the Family of Nations when she joined the King and Queen in celebrating Commonwealth Day. Kate missed the Westminster Abbey service last year, as did Charles, with both receiving treatment for cancer during a troubling health scare period for the monarchy. Twelve months later ,the Prince and Princess of Wales were photographed sharing a joke with the 2,000-strong congregation as they marked the Commonwealth's 'powerful influence for good in the world'. The Commonwealth Day service is an important date in the royal calendar and a rare occasion when senior royals are seen together – and William and Kate were photographed exchanging kisses with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as they waited for the King to arrive. Outside was a large vocal protest by the anti-monarchy group Republic who held up 'Down with the Crown' banners and the chant 'not my King, not my King' could be heard when Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Abbey's chapter or governing body. Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading performed one of her best known songs, Love And Affection, which had Anne swaying along to the music. Armatrading said after the service: 'I was born in St Kitts so of course the Commonwealth means something to me and I think people need to appreciate the Commonwealth. 'The Commonwealth is about togetherness. You've got Europe, that's people being together, you've got America, that's people being together, and if you think about both of those places it is different little states coming together and that's what the Commonwealth is about, and it's bringing protection – economically, militarily and environmentally.' In his Commonwealth Day message, the King said restoring the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' was the most 'important' task facing humanity. Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the King also remembered the 'sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and her allies. And he celebrated the unity the Commonwealth derives from its diversity: 'In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship.' Performers from across the Commonwealth took part in the service, which featured hymns and prayers in support of the institution and its leaders, and Britain's Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason and his sister Jeneba accompanying on piano, played during the service. Guests included hundreds of schoolchildren, diplomatic representatives from the Commonwealth's 56-member states, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his deputy Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and former Spice Girl Geri Horner. Baroness Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, said the Act of Affirmation which included the words: 'United in kinship and common purpose, we cherish the rich tapestry of thought, culture, tradition, and experience which strengthens our bonds.' At the end, the congregation responded: 'We affirm our belief in the Commonwealth as a powerful influence for good in the world, and pledge ourselves to its service, now and for the future.' Graham Smith, chief executive officer of Republic who led the protests outside the Abbey, said: 'The royals need to stop using the Commonwealth as a vehicle for their own PR. Many Commonwealth countries, notably in the Caribbean, are talking about ditching the royals. 'These countries are also demanding reparations – a reasonable demand considering that Charles refuses to apologise for the royals' role in slavery, despite them profiting from the practice for hundreds of years.'
Telegraph
10-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
King and Princess of Wales return to Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day service
The King and the Princess of Wales have returned to Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service, a year after both missed it following their cancer diagnoses. The King will lead the nation at the annual service on Monday, joined by the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The senior members of the Royal family will walk in procession up the aisle of the abbey, where 2,000 guests from all over the Commonwealth will gather to hear music and poetry. In his Commonwealth Day message, printed in the programme, the King paid tribute to the 'untold sacrifice and selflessness' of Commonwealth forces who answered the call to fight with Britain and its allies in the Second World War. He wrote of those 'from around our family of nations who gave their lives in that dreadful conflict', sharing the 'particular pride and everlasting gratitude' he felt for their contribution. He also emphasised the need to restore the 'disrupted harmony of our entire planet' as the most important task facing humanity. The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, gives an annual address to the family of 56 nations. Last year, he pre-recorded a video message after postponing public duties for around three months after his cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales, who missed the service last year after also being diagnosed with cancer, will be among the congregation as she continues a gradual return to public duties following her confirmation that she is in remission. The King's message calls on the people of the Commonwealth to come together, saying: 'In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship. 'The Commonwealth's ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time, and remains as ever-important today.' This year's Commonwealth Day theme is Together We Thrive, which celebrates the 'enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family'. During the service, Joan Armatrading, the singer-songwriter, will perform an arrangement of her hit Love And Affection. Also on Monday, the King will launch the inaugural King's Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, officially starting the countdown to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The King and Queen will be guests of Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, at the Commonwealth Day reception on Monday evening, and will hear a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber to mark the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize. Commonwealth Day is also being marked by the release of a playlist the King has compiled following a collaboration with Apple Music for a programme called The King's Music Room.
