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Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was at Radio 1's Big Weekend – one star was iconic as another left fuming'
It's one of the best weekends of the year for a music lover and journalist. BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend hit Liverpool over the weekend, and they didn't hold back. Some of the biggest names in music headed to Sefton Park to put on unmissable performances throughout the weekend, including JADE (Thirlwall), Sam Fender, Tom Grennan, Lola Young and even a surprise guest. And it couldn't have been a more perfect weekend, okay, we had a bit of rain (and a lot of wind), but the sun was shining and I'm currently more red than Anfield Stadium, but it was so worth it. So what was it really like? In the words of Liam Gallagher – biblical. Friday was a quiet start to the weekend, but it still delivered everything and more. I got there just in time to see Natasha Bedingfield perform, which I had been so excited for and can honestly say I felt like I was reliving my childhood again which was incredible. But the highlight for me on Friday was, of course, Tom Grennan. I've spoken about this countless times this weekend, but three years ago, I saw Tom play on the Future Sounds Stage at Big Weekend in Coventry. Now, three years later and over one billion UK streams later, he was headlining the Main Stage. He's one of those rare musicians who still appreciates every bit of success he gets and puts on an incredible show – and he did just that. I knew there would be something special coming during Tom's set, but I hadn't anticipated just how phenomenal it would be. Not only did he bring out Ella Henderson for their track, but he also brought out Melanie C to perform When You're Gone together. Although they were wearing Everton and Liverpool shirts, which I'll let them off with, the response was incredible from the crowd. Melanie is obviously a Scouse icon and one-fifth of the world's biggest girlband, which saw the whole crowd erupt into cheers. He was also joined by The Zutons to sing their 2006 hit, Valerie, which to me was the best. Between the music, I got to hang out in the BBC Guest Area, which allowed me to use a private bar, grab food without waiting in huge queues and most importantly, clean toilets. A must at a festival, given how many people use the main arena ones. It was here I bumped into Radio 1 star Conor Knight, who was overjoyed at being at the event. Conor is a regular on the network and has covered Radio 1 weekend breakfast and also the mid-morning show over Christmas – there's no denying he's one of the best at the station. Saturday, though – no words, apart from out of this world. Ed Sheeran had just been announced as the surprise special guest on the Radio 1 New Music Stage. I thought my days of sprinting across fields were over, but no, off I ran for my life to try and get into the stage. He was only scheduled for 45 minutes, but those 45 minutes were heavenly. Hearing tracks such as Perfect, Shape of You, The A Team and Bad Habits certainly kicked off the day in the best way. The tent was at full capacity with 5,000 people eager to see Ed perform. It proved just how talented he is as well. Just one man, a guitar and a loop pedal yet had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Although myself and 5,000 other people were happy, apparently Tom Odell wasn't best pleased and I can see why. Tom was performing on the Main Stage at the same time, and on my way out of Ed, I saw the crowd... It wasn't as packed as Tom probably would have liked. But who can really compete with Ed Sheeran? Now, one act who set the Main Stage alight... Sugababes. I've seen them several times and even worked with them (goals – Kiesha revealed to me they were playing Glastonbury last year). There's no denying they're the best female vocal group to come out of the UK, and I'll take that to my grave. Their set attracted one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, performing hits including About You Now, Round Round, Overload and Freak Like Me. It was the vibe we all needed in the sun and it was clear to see how much it meant to Keisha, Siobhán and Mutya. I also caught up with Siobhan backstage and she's the kindest soul you could ever meet, not to mention we both twinned with Vivienne Westwood glasses. But I needed to warm up before King Sam Fender headlined so off I went back to the Guest Area to make the most of the bar. This is where all the famous faces were hanging out conserving their energy for the weekend. One word for Sam in-sane. I can't think of another word. Like Tom Grennan, I've followed him from the start of his career, watched him play one of his first festivals, saw him headline his first (Tramlines), and he was also on the Future Sounds Stage three years ago. There's something about Sam's sets that captivates the audience. Around 100,000 were expected to attend, and somehow I got close to the front with a group of friends. Sam's set went off with a bang. It was just utterly brilliant. Famous faces were scattered around the crowd, and nobody was bothering them because we were all too focused on enjoying the Geordie King. Obviously, he had to open with Getting Started, I feel like that's a given with Sam. He delivered his best hits, such as Will We Talk?, People Watching, Seventeen Going Under before closing with Hypersonic Missiles. I refused to leave early and trying to get out with the whole crowd proved to be quite interesting. We left at 10pm, and although I live an hour away from Liverpool, I didn't get home until after midnight because of how many people were trying to get cabs and Ubers from Sefton Park. Sunday proved to be yet another incredible day with the likes of JADE, Lola Young, HAIM and Wet Leg performing. I wasn't too fussed on the majority of the line-up for Sunday, but I left the comfort of the backstage tent, which had been sheltering us and headed out into the rain to see HAIM with friends, and I wasn't disappointed. I'd never heard their music, but I was impressed and will definitely listen to them now. And around came the moment I'd been waiting all day for. Jade. I'd followed her since the early days of Rhythmix (if you know, you know) and recently saw her perform at the BRIT Awards, so I knew I was in for a treat. Since venturing out as a solo artist, Jade hasn't shied away from pushing the boundaries and experimenting with her sound. It's working, there's no denying that. Now, I completely understand that she's classed as a "new artist" given she's just gone solo, but she shouldn't have been on the New Music stage. She deserved the Main Stage headline slot. Belting out hits like FUFN (clean version), IT Girl, Midnight Cowboy and her debut single Angel of My Dreams (which by the way, INCREDIBLE), she also delivered a mix of Little Mix hits including Wasabi, Shout Out To My Ex and Sweet Melody, as well as a cover of N-Trance's 1995 anthem, Trance. It was her first-ever solo festival performance, and she drew in one of the biggest crowds. The tent had a maximum capacity of 5,000, and it was filled, with more people standing outside in the rain watching her perform. I can't describe the energy because it was so unique but it's clear to see that Jade has cemented herself as the one to watch in the industry and is a true force to be reckoned with. I didn't catch the Main Stage headline act, Mumford and Sons, because I left as soon as Jade finished – as did thousands of others. It would have been hard for any artist to top Jade's set so I feel like it was probably the best decision to leave while still buzzing (and singing, much to the dismay of my friends...)
Glasgow Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
TRNSMT announces James Bay set amid calls to axe Kneecap
James Bay, known for hits including Hold Back the River, will perform on Friday, July 11 as the festival welcomes him back as a "special guest". In a post shared on Facebook, a spokesperson said: "We're excited to announce James Bay returns to Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT on Friday, July 11. "We can't wait to welcome him back as a special guest on the Main Stage." READ NEXT: Kneecap performance at TRNSMT would need 'significant policing operation' (Image: Image: James Bay) Irish rap trio Kneecap are also set to perform on the King Tut's stage on the festival's opening night, however, there have been calls to axe their set. First Minister John Swinney previously said they should be pulled from the line-up, saying the band had "crossed the line" with comments allegedly backing Hamas and calling for the death of MPs, saying it would be "unacceptable" for them to perform. Green cllr Jon Molyneux said calls to ban the group should be resisted, saying the Belfast band is being targeted in a smear campaign because it has been outspoken on the war in Gaza and showed support for the Palestinian people. READ NEXT: Calls for Kneecap to be axed from TRNSMT 2025 over 'kill your local MP' comments (Image: PA) We previously reported Police Scotland have said allowing Kneecap to perform at the Glasgow Green event would need "a significant policing operation". It comes after a member of the group was charged with a terror offence. Liam O'Hanna, 27, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged over the displaying of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north-west London, on November 21 last year, the Metropolitan Police said.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
TRNSMT announce new main stage act amid calls for Kneecap to be axed from festival
TRNSMT bosses have announced a new major act that will take to the stage in Glasgow Green on Friday, July 11 which is the same day controversial Irish rap trio Kneecap are currently set to perform. TRNSMT bosses have announced a new act for the main stage amid growing calls for the controversial Irish rap group Kneecap to be axed from the festival's line up. The Kneecap trio, Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ Ó Dochartaigh (aDJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), are set to play Glasgow Green on Friday, July 11. However, many are speculating that the Belfast act will be cut from the show after they recently faced a huge amount of backlash over videos of them telling fans to 'kill your local MP'. Meanwhile, TRNSMT have now announced another big star will take to the stage and their performance falls on the same day that Kneecap are set to play. British singer James Bay, 34, is now set to feature as a "special guest" this summer at the Glasgow Green music extravaganza. He will perform alongside headliners 50 Cent, Twin Atlantic and The Script on the first day of the three-day long event. A TRNSMT spokesperson said: "We're excited to announce that James Bay returns to Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT on Friday 11th July. "We can't wait to welcome him back as a special guest on the Main Stage." The announcement comes amid calls for Kneecap to be scrapped from the festival after one of the rappers was charged with a terror offence this week. Liam O'Hanna, whose stage name is Mo Chara, has been charged with a terror offence over the alleged display of a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year, according to the Metropolitan Police. The 27 year old is alleged to have shown it in a way to 'arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation'. Despite the charge, Kneecap arrived at a surprise gig in London last night at the 100 Club on Oxford Street. Glasgow Tory MSP Annie Wells has demanded action from the bosses of the Glasgow festival after their recent controversies. First Minister John Swinney has also backed calls for them to be axed, stating it would be "unacceptable" for the band to take to such high-profile stages. Ms Wells said: "Any reasonable person can see that Kneecap just aren't fit to perform at TRNSMT. "After their despicable and dangerous comments, which incited violence against politicians, their appearance will inflame tensions and potentially place people at risk." However, Kneecap remain on the TRNSMT set list for now after SNP councillors rejected the calls to ban them from the Glasgow music festival. The Irish rap group are also set to play Glastonbury this summer on June 27. Amid calls for them to be cancelled from that too, Kneecap have threatened to take legal actions against critics over attempts to ban them from the major musical festival, describing them as "defamatory".
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
TRNSMT confirm new act for main stage amid growing calls to axe controversial Kneecap
It comes amid an ongoing drama with the Belfast-based band LET ME GO LET ME GO TRNSMT confirm new act for main stage amid growing calls to axe controversial Kneecap TRNSMT bosses tonight announced a new act for the main stage amid growing calls to axe controversial act Kneecap. English heartthrob James Bay, 34, will feature as a "special guest" this summer at the Glasgow Green music extravaganza. 3 Singer-songwriter James Bay is famed for a string of hits including Let It Go Credit: Getty 3 Kneecap has come under fire amid calls for the group to be axed from TRNSMT Credit: Reuters The Let It Go hitmaker is set to perform on Friday alongside 50 Cent, Twin Atlantic and The Script. A TRNSMT spokesperson said: "We're excited to announce that James Bay returns to Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT on Friday 11th July. "We can't wait to welcome him back as a special guest on the Main Stage." It comes amid calls for Kneecap to be axed from the festival after one of the rappers was charged with a terror offence. Organisers were urged to act after Liam O'Hanna, 27, was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig last year. O'Hanna, whose stage name is Mo Chara, is alleged to have shown it in a way to 'arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation'. Glasgow Tory MSP Annie Wells demanded a response from bosses of the Glasgow festival, where the Irish hip-hop trio are due to perform on July 11. The Belfast-based band have also faced a backlash over videos of them urging fans to 'kill your local MP'. Other footage showed them chanting, 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at past gigs. Ms Wells said: 'Any reasonable person can see that Kneecap just aren't fit to perform at TRNSMT. 'After their despicable and dangerous comments, which incited violence against politicians, their appearance will inflame tensions and potentially place people at risk.' City Reform UK councillor Thomas Kerr added: 'Glasgow's values are at odds with political extremism. 'Kneecap represent the very worst views of our society, in particular their calls for the murder of politicians. 'They should not be made welcome to perform here.' We told how the band have threatened to sue over bids to axe them from TRNSMT and also Glastonbury, describing them as 'defamatory'. 3 TRNSMT bosses have confirmed a new act for festival's main stage Credit: Roddy Scott TRNSMT organisers DF Concerts were asked for comment.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
35th Saturday in the Park Main Stage, Abe Stage headliners announced
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The headliner for the Main Stage at the 35th Saturday in the Park has been announced! The performers for this year's Saturday in the Park Main Stage will officially be announced Tuesday at 10 a.m. For now, here are the two headliners for the Main Stage. This year, the Main Stage will be headlined by Teddy Swims. Teddy Swims' career began when he would release song covers on YouTube. This eventually led to his popularity skyrocketing in 2023 with the release of his single 'Lose Control.' Teddy Swims is known for blending soul, country, and pop into sound all his own. Joining Teddy Swims on the Main Stage is Mavis Staples. Mavis Staples is a prolific rhythm and blues and gospel singer. Her rise to fame began when she was a part of her family's band, The Staples Singers. Staples has gone on to win three Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year. She is also a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She has also been inducted into multiple music halls of fame as part of The Staples Band and for her solo work. KCAU 9 will be live Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Hard Rock, where officials will officially be making the announcement. They may even drop a few new names during the announcement! You can catch the live stream on and our Facebook page. Keep an eye on KCAU 9 and the Saturday in the Park Facebook page for all of the latest in Saturday in the Park announcements. KCAU 9 News is a proud sponsor of Saturday in the Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
