Latest news with #Marcie&TheCookies
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TEMS' Headlining Set & 7 Other Highlights to Watch for at Inaugural SXSW London
The performance this week by Nigerian star TEMS is one eagerly awaited moment at the inaugural SXSW London, which opens Monday (June 2) and runs through Saturday (June 7), building on the four-decade legacy of the South By Southwest music, arts, film and tech conference and festival launched by four young colleagues in Austin, Texas, in 1987. More from Billboard Marcie Jones, Lead Singer of Marcie & The Cookies, Dies at 79 Peter Murphy Cancels 2025 Tour Dates Due To Ongoing 'Health Issues' Ye Says He 'Dreams' of Apologizing to Jay-Z TEMS will headline The Stage at SXSW London on Thursday (June 5) in an exclusive concert presented by Billboard at London's iconic music venue Troxy. She was featured on the cover of the magazine's May 17 issue. London is some 4,900 air miles from Austin where, in the mid 1980s, the idea of a conference and festival, initially focused on music, was hatched by the co-founders of SXSW: Roland Swenson, Louis Jay Meyers, Louis Black and Nick Barbaro. At the first event, held in March 1987, an expected 150 registrants reached 700 on the opening day. In 2021, following the challenges of the pandemic, SXSW gained an investment partner in Penske Media Corporation (which also owns Billboard) and the film and production company MRC. Two years later, Penske took majority ownership of SXSW. Under its new owners, SXSW has gone global. The third SXSW Sydney will take place in Australia's largest city from Oct. 13-19. This first SXSW London takes place at a time when the creative industries of the United Kingdom are more vital than ever, with the music business finding global success with superstars like Dua Lipa, Charli xcx, Coldplay and others. The event also follows the publication by Billboard of its annual Global Power Players list and its first U.K. Power Players list, whose honorees will be recognized at an invitation-only gathering. Here are seven highlights to watch for at SXSW London. Organizers report that SXSW London will take place across 34 venues, galleries, clubs and spaces in and around Shoreditch, in East London, where former industrial industrial buildings have been renovated and repurposed as offices and residences. SXSW London will feature 862 conference speakers across 500 sessions, 600 performances from 500 music artists and 110 total film and TV screenings. 'SXSW London is showcasing industry leaders and emerging talent at the cutting edge of what is new and future facing, alongside some of the world's biggest talent from across music, film, tech, arts, fashion and more,' the organization states. Specifically, the conference is organized around six key themes: AI, Robotics and Automation; Humanity, Machines and the Future of AI; New Tech Frontiers; Our Future Health; Tech, Governance and the Future of Society; and Navigating Business in a Changing World. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, will offer opening remarks at the conference. Deepak Chopra will give a talk titled 'Bridging Science & Spirituality for a Better Future.' Tina Brown will speak on 'Truth Power and the Press.' Björn Ulvaeus, co-founder of ABBA, will address 'The Future of Entertainment.' Stewart Copeland will be featured in conversation following his recent speaking tour billed as 'Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures.' Bellwethers Group, which is focused on building a green economy, is the official sustainability partner of SXSW London and will host the Nature and Climate house with live panel talks and music performances. The design software company Canva is hosting a week of activations and events at its headquarters on Hoxton Square. The sportswear brand Converse is sponsoring the Strongroom Bar and supporting a week of Caribbean music, while also hosting its own music showcase on Monday (June 2). The Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar is the official auto partner of the event and is hosting a live activation in the marketplace of Ely's Yard, where the luxury sunglass and eyeglass company Ray-Ban also is staging an activation with live music and DJs The Finish mobile game development company Supercell will host an an interactive gaming space and art gallery, along with other special events through the week. Like its counterpart in Austin, SXSW London will bring attention to groundbreaking new businesses. 'SXSW London's International Venture Spotlight Competition is for early-stage startups across life science, biotech, deep tech and creative tech,' the organizers state. 'The 20 shortlisted early stage companies includes start-ups who have developed game-changing innovations including self-healing concrete to improve the lifespan and cut carbon emissions of infrastructure, dissolvable breast implants that allow natural tissue regeneration after a mastectomy, and the world's first dexterous robot designed for minimally invasive neurosurgery.' In addition to Billboard, several Penske Media brands will contribute to SXSW London programming. Sportico will present The Sports Track, examining, among other topics, athletes as investors. The American Pavilion will bring its young Worldwide Student Program participants to the event. Luminate, which provides the data for the Billboard charts, will host a session titled 'Understanding Entertainment Trends Through Data.' Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne will engage in conversation with actor Joseph Fiennes. The Artforum Atelier series of live panel discussions will feature some of the biggest names in the art world. Deadline will bestow its Sound & Screen Impact Award to composer Anne Dudley (The Crying Game, The Full Monty and Signora Volpe, among others). Rolling Stone's Future of Music U.K. will feature two nights of buzz bands from the United Kingdom. TEMS takes The Stage at SXSW London (in the city she currently calls home) following the breakthrough success of her 2024 album, Born in the Wild. Reaching No. 56 on the Billboard 200, it is the highest charting album by a Nigerian female artist. Rolling Stone's Future of Music U.K. will draw attention to acts including the showcase headliners, the English punk-pop rock band The K's and the Afro-Caribbean-influenced indie pop trio Cassia, who hail from Macclesfield, England. Erykah Badu will perform in her persona as DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Among the other top names on the British scene headlining SXSW London are Mabel, Sasha Keable, NAO, Alice Glass, Lila Ike, Mono, Sinead Harnett, Mirra May and Idris. The 500 booked artists will be taking the stage at more than 30 venues in East London. Those venues, in turn, will vie to match the musical magic found through the decades in rooms like the Continental Club, Antone's and Stubb's Bar-B-Q back in Austin. Best of Billboard Diddy Judge Rejects Claim That Prosecutors Leaked Surveillance Tape of Cassie Assault Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100


Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Australian music icon Marcie Jones dies aged 79 after cancer diagnosis
Marcie Jones, the trailblazing Australian singer celebrated for her dynamic presence in the 1960s girl group Marcie & The Cookies, has passed away at the age of 79. Her death on May 31, 2025, came just days after she publicly disclosed her leukemia diagnosis, expressing determination to fight the illness. Her daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, confirmed her passing, remembering Jones as a 'legend, an icon,' and a guiding light to her family and fans. She wrote: 'It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening. I feel numb inside.' 'Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered,' she continued. 'You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light.' Asta concluded: 'I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!' The Australian Recording Industry Association also paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, calling her a 'True pioneer of Australian music.' In March 2025, Jones announced plans for a concert to celebrate her 80th birthday and 65 years in the entertainment industry, scheduled for June 29. However, her health declined rapidly. 'Sorry to start the day with rotten news. I am in hospital with [leukemia], starting treatment soon,' she wrote on social media in late May, per Express. 'We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can.' Born in Melbourne in 1945, Jones began her musical journey at 15, performing with local bands such as The Thunderbirds and The Playboys. Her appearances on the popular television program The Go!! Show in the mid-1960s catapulted her to national recognition. In 1967, Jones joined forces with the Cook sisters, Margaret, Beverley, and Wendy, to form Marcie & The Cookies. More Trending The group stood out in Australia's male-dominated music scene, delivering hits like I Would If I Could and a rendition of White Christmas. Their synchronized performances and vocal harmonies garnered acclaim, leading to tours across Europe, Asia, and the UK. Transitioning to a solo career in the 1970s, Jones signed with Warner Music and released her debut album, That Girl Jones, in 1974. The album featured the single Gonna Get Married, which climbed the charts. Throughout her career, she shared stages with renowned artists such as The Monkees, The Seekers, Cliff Richard, and Tom Jones. Beyond music, Jones was a multifaceted talent. She authored children's books, co-hosted a radio show titled Blonde and Blonder, and published her memoir, Runs In The Blood, in 2008. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Conflict frontman Colin Jerwood dies aged 63 after 'short illness' MORE: Netflix set to drop major Led Zeppelin documentary that's missing one key part MORE: OnlyFans and adult film star Koby Falks dies aged 42
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marcie Jones, Australian Singer of Marcie & The Cookies, Dies at 79 After Announcing Leukemia Diagnosis
Marcie Jones, the lead singer of the Australian girl group Marcie & The Cookies, died on Friday, May 30 The singer's death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia Jones was planning a concert to celebrate her 80th birthday in late JuneMarcie Jones, lead singer of the Australian girl group Marcie & The Cookies, died on Friday, May 30. She was 79. Jones' death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia. "Sorry to start the day with rotten news. I am in hospital with [leukemia], starting treatment soon," she wrote on social media, per Express. "We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can." The Australian singer's death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, via Facebook on Saturday, May 31. "It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening. I feel numb inside." "Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered," she continued. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light." Asta concluded her post, writing, "I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!" She included pictures of Jones, featuring her performing, smiling and making pasta. The Australian Recording Industry Association also paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, calling her a "true pioneer of Australian music." Jones was born in 1945 in Melbourne, Australia, according to Noise11. She started performing at 15, joining the Thunderbirds at Canterbury Ballroom and Preston Town Hall, according to her website. She and sisters Margaret, Beverley and Wendy formed Marcie & The Cookies in 1967, becoming a refreshing entry into a male-dominated music scene. They were known for songs such as "I Would If I Could," and "All or Nothing," along with a cover of "White Christmas." The group toured in Europe, Asia and throughout the U.K. In the early '70s, Jones signed with Warner Music and embarked on a solo career, releasing That Girl Jones in 1974. The album included the song "Gonna Get Married," which Noise11 reports reached No. 37 on the Australian music charts. Jones shared the stage with the Monkees, the Seekers, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones. She also toured with Gene Pitney five times. She released the album Here I Am in 2005. In March, ahead of what would be her 80th birthday, Jones posted about holding a concert to celebrate the milestone year. "I retired last year very quickly and without much thought. It caused an uproar with my family. So I am doing one more for my 80th and celebrating 65 yrs in showbuisness," she wrote on Facebook. "Who would have thought it would last that long. I will put up details of bookings later for those who would love to join me. It will be on the 29th of June in the afternoon at the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor," continued her post. "More details closer to the date." Jones added: "It will be my journey with many friends and music and film. I want it to be a hell of a party. So if you want to join me hold that date. Much love. Marcie xxxx." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Legend Dead at 79 After Private Health Battle
Music Legend Dead at 79 After Private Health Battle originally appeared on Parade. Marcie Jones—an Australian music legend known for being the lead singer of Marcie & The Cookies before embarking on a solo career—is dead at 79 after a private cancer battle. On Friday, May 31, Jones died after recently revealing she was diagnosed with leukemia, Rolling Stone Australia reported. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Her daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, confirmed the news on Facebook on June 1. 'It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening,' Asta revealed. 'I feel numb inside. Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice.' The bereaved family member continued, 'You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered. You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light. I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song.' On May 27, Jones announced her health struggle via social media, according to the Herald Sun. 'Sorry to start the day with rotten news,' the singer shared. 'I am in hospital with leukemia, starting treatment soon. We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can.' Jones formed the all-girl group Marcie and the Cookies with the Cook sisters, Beverley, Margaret and Wendy in 1967. In the wake of her death, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) posted a tribute to Jones on Instagram. 'As the powerhouse voice behind Marcie and the Cookies, Marcie helped pave the way for women in a male-dominated industry, breaking new ground in the 1960s and touring internationally with her signature sound," ARIA wrote in part. It added, "From The Go!! Show to global stages alongside The Monkees, The Seekers, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones, Marcie's impact on Australian music history is undeniable." Next: Music Legend Dead at 79 After Private Health Battle first appeared on Parade on Jun 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.