Latest news with #McGlashan
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
John Swinney's chat about independence is getting embarrassing now
It's all becoming a wee bit sad lately. John Swinney starts talking about independence and nobody cares. Independence is supposed to be the SNP's flagship policy, the biggest topic of debate in Scotland – if you believe the nationalist faithful, of course. But when the First Minister opens his mouth on the constitution, most voters tune out. Swinney is the inversion of The Great Gatsby. He keeps throwing independence parties but nobody turns up. He's alone in the ballroom waiting for guests who will never arrive. Swinney has just unveiled his 'new plan for independence'. In truth, it's a nothing-burger, a big fat load of zilch. There's basically no difference – nothing new – to what he said about independence a month ago at the Scotland 2050 summit. That too was the dampest of damp squibs. A squib so damp you'd shudder if you shook its hand. In fact, Swinney isn't just repeating himself; he's repeating himself saying nothing. There's an existential horror to that: Swinney must wake up and feel like crying at the thought of having to spew out the same empty rhetoric over and over again. Read more from Neil Mackay: Let's check this plan out. It has 'three points', apparently. First, there will be a 'campaign designed to build the highest levels of support possible for independence'. Isn't that the SNP's raison d'être? Isn't that what they're supposed to be doing every day? What have they been doing until now? Campaigning to build the lowest levels of independence support? Although, to be fair, that is the opinion of some of the more daring naysayers in the Yes movement. Second, the [[SNP]] will build 'public pressure around Scotland's fundamental national rights' and 'turn the heat up on Westminster' when it comes to Scotland's 'right to choose'. Not to be too pedantic about this word salad, but once again: isn't this what the party is supposed to have been doing, since the last time it was supposed to have been doing it? There's an absurd circularity here that almost demands mockery. Third, Swinney wants to 'persuade independence supporters that the way to deliver independence is only with an emphatic SNP win in 2026'. You know what I'm going to say, right? Did he imagine that we actually thought he wanted to persuade independence supporters to vote Reform? It's beyond zero. This takes the notion of the void, of the vacuum, and somehow manages to empty out even more meaning or sense. Independence supporters were, as far as I could see, united in their frustration at this cypher of an announcement. The problem for Swinney is that the Yes movement has had these games played on it before. For years, Nicola Sturgeon seemed to announce that 'indy was coming' once a month. For a while, it worked. It kept the base fed and it provided column inches and debate. Eventually, though, everyone – even the most deluded McGlashan who would gleefully commit seppuku with their Claymore for 'Scottish freedom' – knew they were being conned. It wasn't so much that the curtain was ripped away, like in The Wizard of Oz, and we all suddenly saw the trickster at work. Rather, Sturgeon droned on so much that the curtain simply withered away over time. For Swinney to continue these tricks is lamentable. His indy chat is just embarrassing. He must know it won't work. Yet, the tragedy for Swinney is that he's trapped in this farce. He must go through this rigmarole every few months lest he be seen by his fractious base as some unionist quisling. The truth is nobody in the SNP has the slightest clue about how to achieve either another referendum or what independence means in any substantive form. They all passionately support independence – that bit isn't a con. But they've run out of ideas on the logistics. They're caught between the self-interested need to stay in power, which means they can't put independence front and centre on a daily basis for fear of deterring moderate voters; and the self-interested need to placate the base – for without the base, they're finished. What one can say in fairness about Swinney and the current iteration of the SNP is that they've steadied the ship. They've at least made the theory of good governance their priority, even if that may be somewhat lacking in practice. In this era, though, an insurgent political movement like Scottish independence needs helmed by someone with enough passion to fill Hampden. The Yes movement requires an authentically charismatic – even populist – leader. Swinney is an authentically decent chap, but even his fans would admit he can be managerial and bloodless. The world may be better off without charisma-politics, but sadly that's what the times demand. If the years could be rewound, the best strategy would be to hive the Yes movement off from the SNP and have it led by some non-political figurehead with bags of personality and the gift of the gab. The SNP could then get on with governing as best they can in order to show what could be achieved under independence, while the celebrity face of the movement charmed the pants off the nation. That ain't gonna happen, though. The SNP is in charge, and Swinney is the dude in the chair. So prepare for regular – perhaps monthly – cries of 'indy is coming'. Just don't for a moment imagine that any of this empty rhetoric takes independence forward one inch. Neil Mackay is The Herald's Writer-at-Large. He's a multi-award-winning investigative journalist, author of both fiction and non-fiction, and a filmmaker and broadcaster. He specialises in intelligence, security, crime, social affairs, cultural commentary, and foreign and domestic politics.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Don McGlashan Announces First-Ever Solo Live Album Take It To The BridgeRecorded On 2023 Tour With Anita Clark
Press Release – The Label Celebrated New Zealand songwriter Don McGlashan will release his first-ever solo live album, Take It to the Bridge, this August – a powerful document of a 23-date nationwide tour with special guest Anita Clark (Motte), which captures one of Aotearoa's most treasured musical voices in peak form. Recorded across a series of beloved venues, Take It to the Bridge arrives on 22 August 2025 on limited edition 8-track black 12' LP and 13-track CD, as well as digitally. More than just a souvenir of the tour, Take It to the Bridge offers up McGlashan's songs in their rawest and most intimate form – proof of the enduring connection between this performer and his audience. The album highlights McGlashan's peerless storytelling and songwriting, drawn from a rich catalogue that includes his iconic solo work, songs from The Mutton Birds, The Front Lawn, and beyond. As RNZ's Jesse Mulligan describes, 'His live performances are moving, ghostly, transcendent' – and this recording is a powerful distillation of the live experience. Joining him on stage and recording is Anita Clark (Motte), whose violin, vocals and presence elevate each performance with quiet intensity. This is McGlashan's first release since 2022's Bright November Morning, which debuted at #1 on the Official NZ Album Charts. Work is already underway on his next studio album, scheduled for release in 2026. In the lead-up to Take It to the Bridge 's release, McGlashan returns to the stage in August for three special shows. The first, a sold-out solo show in Nelson, followed by a headline appearance with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – a rare opportunity to hear songs from across his catalogue reimagined in a sweeping symphonic setting. Don McGlashan – Take It to the Bridge Out August 22nd TRACKLISTINGS 12' Vinyl Side A: 'Harbour Bridge' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Charles Kingsford Smith' – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North 22.09.23 'Miracle Sun' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'White Valiant' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 Side B: 'Shackleton' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'The Heater*' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'A Thing Well Made' – Loons, Lyttelton 27.09.23 'Anchor Me' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 CD | Digital 'Harbour Bridge' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Don't Fight It, Marsha, It's Bigger Than Both Of Us' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Charles Kingsford Smith' – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North 22.09.23 'Miracle Sun' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'Bathe In The River' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Nothing On The Windows' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'White Valiant' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Go Back In' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Shackleton' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'The Heater*' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'Pulled Along By Love' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'A Thing Well Made' – Loons, Lyttelton 27.09.23 'Anchor Me – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Don McGlashan Announces First-Ever Solo Live Album Take It To The BridgeRecorded On 2023 Tour With Anita Clark
Celebrated New Zealand songwriter Don McGlashan will release his first-ever solo live album, Take It to the Bridge, this August – a powerful document of a 23-date nationwide tour with special guest Anita Clark (Motte), which captures one of Aotearoa's most treasured musical voices in peak form. Recorded across a series of beloved venues, Take It to the Bridge arrives on 22 August 2025 on limited edition 8-track black 12' LP and 13-track CD, as well as digitally. More than just a souvenir of the tour, Take It to the Bridge offers up McGlashan's songs in their rawest and most intimate form – proof of the enduring connection between this performer and his audience. The album highlights McGlashan's peerless storytelling and songwriting, drawn from a rich catalogue that includes his iconic solo work, songs from The Mutton Birds, The Front Lawn, and beyond. As RNZ's Jesse Mulligan describes, 'His live performances are moving, ghostly, transcendent' – and this recording is a powerful distillation of the live experience. Joining him on stage and recording is Anita Clark (Motte), whose violin, vocals and presence elevate each performance with quiet intensity. This is McGlashan's first release since 2022's Bright November Morning, which debuted at #1 on the Official NZ Album Charts. Work is already underway on his next studio album, scheduled for release in 2026. In the lead-up to Take It to the Bridge 's release, McGlashan returns to the stage in August for three special shows. The first, a sold-out solo show in Nelson, followed by a headline appearance with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – a rare opportunity to hear songs from across his catalogue reimagined in a sweeping symphonic setting. Upcoming Shows: Thursday 14 August – Nelson, Nelson NCMA (SOLD OUT) Saturday 16th August – Christchurch, Douglas Lilburn Auditorium – with the CSO Don McGlashan - Take It to the Bridge Out August 22nd TRACKLISTINGS 12' Vinyl Side A: 'Harbour Bridge' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Charles Kingsford Smith' – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North 22.09.23 'Miracle Sun' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'White Valiant' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 Side B: 'Shackleton' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'The Heater*' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'A Thing Well Made' – Loons, Lyttelton 27.09.23 'Anchor Me' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 CD | Digital 'Harbour Bridge' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Don't Fight It, Marsha, It's Bigger Than Both Of Us' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Charles Kingsford Smith' – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North 22.09.23 'Miracle Sun' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'Bathe In The River' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Nothing On The Windows' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'White Valiant' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'Go Back In' – Cannon Heath, Carterton 17.09.23 'Shackleton' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'The Heater*' – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23 'Pulled Along By Love' – Loons, Lyttelton 28.09.23 'A Thing Well Made' – Loons, Lyttelton 27.09.23 'Anchor Me – Q Theatre, Auckland 31.10.23
Scoop
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Chris Bishop's Comments During Stan Walker's Performance Have ‘No Place' At Aotearoa Music Awards
Article – RNZ 'The Awards respect and honour te ao Mori and we were proud to support Stan with his vision for his powerful rendition of Mori Ki Te Ao.' The producers of the Aotearoa Music Awards have condemned Cabinet Minister Chris Bishop's comments during Stan Walker's performance, saying his remarks have 'no place' at the awards ceremony. At Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday night Bishop was captured on video declaring 'what a load of crap' during Walker's performance, which prominently featured Toitū Te Tiriti banners. Some people in front of him were on their feet dancing and waving tino rangatiratanga flags. In a statement issued on Saturday, the producers said they were committed to creating a 'safe, respectful and inclusive environment' and that these 'expectations were clearly communicated to all who attended the event'. 'The inappropriate comments made by Hon. Chris Bishop during Stan Walker's performance have no place at the Aotearoa Music Awards,' the statement read. 'The Awards respect and honour te ao Māori and we were proud to support Stan with his vision for his powerful rendition of Māori Ki Te Ao.' In a statement to RNZ, Bishop admitted he said 'what a lot of crap' and something about performative acclaim. He said it referred to what he called the overtly political branding on display. Renowned musician Don McGlashan was seen on the video confronting Bishop, but McGlashan said he did not realise at first that it was the minister. 'I could hear an enormous amount of ranting, kind of against the whole thing. I didn't get the full gist of it, but it was basically – 'the hīkoi is ages ago, sit down everybody' – so this geezer was just ranting away and telling everybody to sit down,' McGlashan said. 'After a while, I turned to him and said 'Ah, shut up you dickhead' and I looked at him and I thought, 'Oh, I know that face'. Then he said, 'What did you say to me?''. McGlashan said that he again told Bishop to ''shut up you dickhead', and he said, 'I could say the same to you,' and I said, 'Well, I wasn't talking and you were.' And then I realised I was talking to the leader of the House'. Another witness said the minister appeared to them to be drunk. 'For him to take an instant dis-gratification towards Toitū Te Tiriti and that movement and to say that it's a load of crap is actually highly offensive. I'm very worried for somebody of high power in this country to be making those sorts of remarks in public,' they said. Bishop has since acknowledged his comments were poorly judged, telling RNZ: 'On reflection, I should have kept my thoughts to myself.' However, he has denied making specific remarks about the hīkoi – the protest marches that have taken place across Aotearoa in support of upholding the Treaty of Waitangi – and has suggested the backlash amounts to a 'political smear job'. 'Chris is a long-time supporter of New Zealand music and went to the Awards to celebrate successful Kiwi artists,' a spokesperson said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declined to comment further, with his office saying the PM had nothing to add to Bishop's statement. David Seymour defended Bishop shortly after he was sworn in as deputy prime minister on Saturday. 'Just because you become a senior minister, it doesn't mean you should stop having opinions,' Seymour said. 'It might well be that, based on what Chris saw in that moment, he was correct. It may be that people will agree with him.' Seymour said he believed New Zealanders would draw their own conclusions.
Scoop
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Chris Bishop's Comments During Stan Walker's Performance Have ‘No Place' At Aotearoa Music Awards
The producers of the Aotearoa Music Awards have condemned Cabinet Minister Chris Bishop's comments during Stan Walker's performance, saying his remarks have 'no place' at the awards ceremony. At Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday night Bishop was captured on video declaring 'what a load of crap' during Walker's performance, which prominently featured Toitū Te Tiriti banners. Some people in front of him were on their feet dancing and waving tino rangatiratanga flags. In a statement issued on Saturday, the producers said they were committed to creating a 'safe, respectful and inclusive environment' and that these 'expectations were clearly communicated to all who attended the event'. 'The inappropriate comments made by Hon. Chris Bishop during Stan Walker's performance have no place at the Aotearoa Music Awards,' the statement read. 'The Awards respect and honour te ao Māori and we were proud to support Stan with his vision for his powerful rendition of Māori Ki Te Ao.' In a statement to RNZ, Bishop admitted he said 'what a lot of crap' and something about performative acclaim. He said it referred to what he called the overtly political branding on display. Renowned musician Don McGlashan was seen on the video confronting Bishop, but McGlashan said he did not realise at first that it was the minister. 'I could hear an enormous amount of ranting, kind of against the whole thing. I didn't get the full gist of it, but it was basically – 'the hīkoi is ages ago, sit down everybody' – so this geezer was just ranting away and telling everybody to sit down,' McGlashan said. 'After a while, I turned to him and said 'Ah, shut up you dickhead' and I looked at him and I thought, 'Oh, I know that face'. Then he said, 'What did you say to me?''. McGlashan said that he again told Bishop to ''shut up you dickhead', and he said, 'I could say the same to you,' and I said, 'Well, I wasn't talking and you were.' And then I realised I was talking to the leader of the House'. Another witness said the minister appeared to them to be drunk. 'For him to take an instant dis-gratification towards Toitū Te Tiriti and that movement and to say that it's a load of crap is actually highly offensive. I'm very worried for somebody of high power in this country to be making those sorts of remarks in public,' they said. Bishop has since acknowledged his comments were poorly judged, telling RNZ: 'On reflection, I should have kept my thoughts to myself.' However, he has denied making specific remarks about the hīkoi – the protest marches that have taken place across Aotearoa in support of upholding the Treaty of Waitangi – and has suggested the backlash amounts to a 'political smear job'. 'Chris is a long-time supporter of New Zealand music and went to the Awards to celebrate successful Kiwi artists,' a spokesperson said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has declined to comment further, with his office saying the PM had nothing to add to Bishop's statement. David Seymour defended Bishop shortly after he was sworn in as deputy prime minister on Saturday. 'Just because you become a senior minister, it doesn't mean you should stop having opinions,' Seymour said. 'It might well be that, based on what Chris saw in that moment, he was correct. It may be that people will agree with him.' Seymour said he believed New Zealanders would draw their own conclusions.
