Latest news with #Midge
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Band Aid legend reveals new fans shocked to discover he's an old guy with a synthesiser
BAND Aid legend Midge Ure has revealed how he hasn't been allowed to Fade to Grey - as new legions of fans keep discovering him through Netflix shows and a No1 video game. The singer songwriter from Cambuslang, Glasgow, has enjoyed a hit-laden career going back to the seventies when his band Silk first topped the charts with Forever and Ever. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Midge back at Wembley for the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. 4 Metal Gear Solid video game creator has been a fan of Midge's for decades. 4 Midge is...
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside the new Band Aid musical and how one iconic anthem left co-founder Midge Ure with lump in his throat
QUEEN'S 'Ay-Oh' is booming around London's Wembley Stadium as I relive Live Aid ahead of the global charity event's 40th anniversary. As silence falls upon the stands, a familiar Irish voice pipes up and, staring at the stadium, Bob Geldof says: 'It doesn't look that sort of different. 10 'I expect it to be mega and new and it just looks as crappy as before.' With a glint in his eye, he adds: 'I'm blue in the face listening to f***ing Freddie Mercury.' Joking aside, Bob — alongside fellow musician Midge Ure, promoter Harvey Goldsmith and music exec John Kennedy — has invited me down to announce the release of Just For One Day, The Live Aid Musical album. Out on July 11, it is a 30-track collection of songs from the groundbreaking concert recorded by the cast of the theatre show. Producer Jon Bath tells me it took him 54 weeks to make what he admitted had to be 'the best covers album of all time' with tracks including The Beatles ' Let It Be, Elton John's I'm Still Standing and Bryan Adams Summer Of '69 . They've succeeded thanks to a stellar cast — including Craige Els who plays Boomtown Rats frontman and Live Aid mastermind Bob. Midge — who wrote Band Aid's Christmas smash Do They Know It's Christmas — says of the musical: 'I went in as a jaded rock star expecting cheese. But during the show this jaded rock star had a lump in his throat. 'One song jumped out in particular for me and I was never a big Bob Dylan fan. 'Blowing In The Wind, the interpretation that they've done on that was phenomenal. 'It changed my opinion of what theatre and musicals could be up until that moment.' Recalling teaming up with Bob on Live Aid in 1985, John says: 'God looked at a family in Africa and said he had to do something about it. 'Band Aid eat your heart out' Two Doors Down star performs Christmas hit with a Scottish twist 'He knocked on the door for help and it was answered by a scruffy, foul-mouthed Irishman. 'A lanky, impetuous, domineering, potential dictator. Bob then bullied Midge into writing one of the most successful songs of all time, he then bullied the rest of us to be in his band of merry men. 'Here we are, 40 years later.' To date, the Band Aid Charitable Trust has raised more than £150million for people in need. And ten per cent of ticket sales for the musical, which opens at London's Shaftesbury Theatre from May 15, will go to the charity. John continues: 'The Band Aid Trust have been doing this for 40 years and five months. To us, it never felt stale. We got a request from a small charity last week. 'Lives transformed' 'They wanted £25,000 from us. If we gave them that sum and they added it to the £25,000 they've raised themselves, then they would give a village of 3,000 people a clean water supply that would last for 20 to 30 years. 'That project will cost five percent of the money we already make from the musical. 'The other 95 per cent will be spent just as effectively and over the years. the money will roll in. 'But don't go to the musical because of those 3,000 people whose lives will be transformed. Go because you'll have one of the best nights of your life. 'You will laugh, you will cry, you will dance and you will sing. 'And if at the end you're not on your feet giving a standing ovation, then Bob personally will give you your money back.' I'll hold him to that. BBC tributes THE BBC will also be celebrating the anniversary of the legendary concert with new programmes all about it. In July, BBC Two will air a new documentary called Live Aid At 40, telling the behind-the-scenes story of the event, featuring exclusive interviews with Bono, Sting, George Bush and others. Fans will be able to relive the charity gig with Live Aid The Concert, also on BBC Two, while Radio 2 has created its own special, Live Aid – The Fans Story, with tales from performers including Gary Kemp, Francis Rossi and Billy Ocean. Kylie court in act TIMOTHEE CHALAMET and Kylie Jenner had just as much fun playing tonsil tennis as they did watching the basketball in LA. The couple, who have been together for two years, cheered on the Los Angeles Lakers who took on the Minnesota Timberwolves, although the latter team won. 10 10 They weren't the only couple spotted having a smooch there, though. Also at the game was actress Lily Rose Depp and her musician girlfriend 070 Shake – five years after Lily's year-long romance with Timothee ended. Somehow, I doubt they'll be putting a double date in the diary. Rita's hot right now THE mini heatwave is fitting for Rita Ora, who sends temperatures soaring in the music video for her next tune. I'm told the singer is going back to her racy Hot Right Now roots for sizzling new single, Heat. 10 Insiders said Rita slipped into her sexiest bikinis for the US shoot, which took place on beaches in both Miami and Los Angeles. They explained: 'Rita is going all out for Heat and the video is one of the raciest she's ever done. 'She wears a number of different bikinis and writhes around on the beach, and there is a lot of sexy choreography, too. 'It really is like her Hot Right Now days and Rita wants to get pulses racing.' There's no word yet on whether Rita's husband Taika Waititi I makes a cameo in the video. But we know he's got form for popping up in the background of scenes. If you ask me, I think Taika will definitely have wanted to be involved in this one . . . Ed still in play after tour end ED SHEERAN has confirmed he won't be hitting pause on his music – as the star releases his new album just five days after the end of his Mathematics Tour. The record, named Play, will be available on September 12, featuring the song Old Phone, which came out last night. Lorde says that her record, Virgin, will be out on June 27, while new releases today include Irish singer Allie Sherlock's Damage Control and rising pop star Sophie Grey's On Hold, ahead of her support slot for Sting in arenas across Europe this summer. My favourite new release is Mimi Webb and Meghan Trainor's irresistibly catchy track, Mind Reader. Mabel has worked with Clavish for the song Benz, and Maroon 5 have teamed up with Blackpink's Lisa for their new single, Priceless Jade: My album agony JADE has voiced her frustration over the delay of her debut album – and it sounds like fans will have to wait even longer. She said in January that the record, which she finished last year, would be out around May, but it sounds like it will now not be released until the end of the summer. Speaking to a fan on social media site Discord, the Angel Of My Dreams singer said: 'The hardest part is waiting for my album to come out. I can assure you nobody wants this album out more than me. 'I am trusting in the team's strategy and expertise and understand that the summer of shows and upcoming promo will help drive preorders as a new artist. 'But I can promise, with my next album, I want to write it and release it within months of each other.' Have Specs with Elton IF you were looking for celebs with the most stylish glasses, you'd probably pick Billie Eilish or But Specsavers have plumped for Sir Elton John to promote their latest collection – despite the fact he's almost blind. The high street optician is working with the music legend to bring 12 optical frames and two types of sunglasses from his Elton John Eyewear range to their customers. The glasses are based on some key moments in his life and career but I'm not keen to get a pair given how his vision has deteriorated. Elt has struggled since getting an infection last year and recently admitted: 'I can't see TV, I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer. It's distressing,' When asked how many pairs of glasses he has, he recently said: 'I don't really know. I guess between ten and 15 thousand.' He'll have a few more pairs from this collab – I hope that he sees an improvement. Harry's clubbing in Styles IT'S notoriously difficult to get in to, but Harry Styles seems to have been added to the VIP list at Berlin megaclub Berghain. Revellers often queue for more than six hours, only to be turned away at the door. 10 But I hear Harry, below, has become something of a regular at the hardcore electronic music venue. A punter told me: 'Harry's often in Berghain, but I never see him in the queue. He must have a back door agreement with the bosses because I don't think Harry would stand outside for hours like us lot.' It would be good advertising if he did. I told last month how Harry had temporarily relocated to the German capital to put the finishing touches to his fourth record. I just hope he's putting as much time into recording as propping up the bar. Line-up is Jool in TV crown VIEWERS will soon be treated to more top music as Later… With Jools Holland returns to our screens. I can exclusively reveal rock legends Skunk Anansie are booked for the first episode on May 18, alongside Cynthia Erivo, who will perform a track from her upcoming solo album, I Forgive You. 10 The series, which runs for six weeks, will also feature Pulp, Loyle Carner, The Hives, Wet Leg, Joy Crookes, Franz Ferdinand, Wunderhorse, Wolf Alice and Beverley Knight. Also teed up to perform are Billy Nomates, Cameron Winter, Self Esteem, Holly Johnson, ALT BLK Era and Sugababes. The shows, which are all being filmed at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in North London, will air in a new slot on Sunday evenings at 10pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Irish Daily Star
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Music fans are just learning what Midge Ure's stage name means after 56 years
Scottish singer-songwriter and record producer Midge Ure, whose career has spanned several decades, is a testament to enduring musical talent. He found fame in the 70s and 80s with bands like Slik, Thin Lizzy, Rich Kids, Visage and most notably as Ultravox's frontman after John Foxx left. Under his leadership, Ultravox soared in the charts for six years until he chose to dissolve the band. In addition, he co-wrote and produced the 1984 charity hit "Do They Know It's Christmas?", and played a pivotal role in putting together the legendary Band Aid ensemble, marking him as a major figure in music history. Despite his long-standing presence in the spotlight, not everyone knows how he came by his stage name. A recent Reddit discussion brought this to light, much to the fascination of fans. A user posted: "James 'Midge' Ure OBE (born 10 October 1953) is a British musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. "His stage name, Midge, is a phonetic reversal of Jim, the diminutive form of his actual name. "In 1984, he co-wrote and produced the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' Interestingly, Midge Ure's stage name is a phonetic reversal of his birth name, Jim." The backstory is that to avoid mix-ups with Salvation bandmate Jim McGinlay, they flipped James' nickname "Jim" to "Midge" thus creating the unique moniker. Midge Ure, now 71, has had a colourful career in the music industry, starting from his early days with the band Salvation to becoming a significant figure in the music world. When Kevin McGinlay left Salvation, Midge Ure took over as the lead vocalist. The band was then renamed Slik and scored a UK number one single in 1976 with "Forever and Ever", thanks to the songwriting talents of Bill Martin and Phil Coulter. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure pictured during the recording of the Band Aid single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (Image: Getty Images) Interestingly, about a year before this success, Midge Ure declined an offer to join the Sex Pistols, believing that music mogul Malcolm McLaren, who worked with the band, had "his priorities completely wrong". Despite his initial doubts about the punk scene, Midge's musical direction changed as Slik evolved into PVC2 in an attempt to align with the punk aesthetic. He later formed Rich Kids with ex-Sex Pistol and Blondie touring member Glen Matlock, before joining Visage in 1978 and Ultravox a year later, contributing to some of the most iconic songs of the era. Today, the singer is still very active in the music industry. He tours extensively and continues to work on new music. The star's electronic duo with Charlie Round Turner are heading back to the USA to play a few shows in May. He's also set to tour Australia later this year too.
Daily Record
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots floored to discover what Midge Ure's stage name means after 56 years
Scottish singer-songwriter and record producer Midge Ure has had a career spanning over five decades - but not everyone knows what his stage name actually stands for Scottish singer-songwriter and record producer Midge Ure, who has enjoyed a successful career spanning decades, is one musician who has truly stood the test of time. He achieved considerable success in the 1970s and 1980s, playing in bands such as Slik, Thin Lizzy, Rich Kids, Visage and notably as the second bandleader of Ultravox after John Foxx's departure. His leadership helped propel the band to high chart positions for six years before he decided to disband the group. Moreover, in 1984, he co-wrote and produced the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", and was instrumental in assembling the iconic Band Aid group. In short, he's known for his significant contributions to the music industry. Despite being in the public eye for over five decades, not everyone is aware of the origin of his stage name. The topic recently surfaced on Reddit, leaving fans surprised by the revelation. One user shared: "James 'Midge' Ure OBE (born 10 October 1953) is a British musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. His stage name, Midge, is a phonetic reversal of Jim, the diminutive form of his actual name. "In 1984, he co-wrote and produced the charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' Interestingly, Midge Ure's stage name is a phonetic reversal of his birth name, Jim." The story behind this is that in an attempt to avoid confusion with his Salvation bandmate, Jim McGinlay, they decided to reverse James' nickname "Jim" to "Midge", creating a phonetic reversal. Midge Ure, now 71, has had a dynamic career trajectory, from his early days in the band Salvation to his rise as a prominent figure in the music industry. After taking over vocal duties when singer Kevin McGinlay left Salvation, the band was renamed Slik and achieved a UK number one single in 1976 with "Forever and Ever", thanks to the songwriting prowess of Bill Martin and Phil Coulter. Interestingly, about a year before this success, Midge Ure turned down an opportunity to join the Sex Pistols, believing that music mogul Malcolm McLaren, who put the band together, had "his priorities completely wrong". Despite his initial reservations about the punk scene, Midge's direction shifted as Slik transformed into PVC2 in an attempt to align with the punk aesthetic. He later formed Rich Kids with ex-Sex Pistol and Blondie touring member Glen Matlock, before joining Visage in 1978 and Ultravox a year later, contributing to some of the most iconic songs of the era. Nowadays, the singer is still super active in the music industry. He tours extensively and continues to work on new music. The star's electronic duo with Charlie Round Turner are heading back to the USA to play a few shows in May. He's also set to tour Australia later this year too.
BBC News
11-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Otter pups at London Zoo take to the water for the first time
A pair of otter pups at London Zoo have taken to the water for the first time in what keepers have called "a key development".The Asian short-clawed otters, born in January, spent their first few months in a nesting box, nursing with first-time mum zoo said recent warm temperatures led to the intrepid duo venturing into their enclosure and attempting some underwater Zoo's otter keeper Amy McKillop said watching them take to the water was "really exciting". Asian short-clawed otters Also known as Asian small-clawed otters or oriental small-clawed ottersThe smallest of thirteen species of otter Their claws reach no further than their digits, allowing them to use their paws to feel for food in muddy banksThey catch their prey with their partially-webbed paws instead of - as other otters do - with their mouthThey have streamlined flattened tails to propel them through the water They can see equally as well in water as outThe young do not open their eyes until they are 40 days old, taking their first swim after about nine weeks The siblings have been observed daily by zookeepers keen to see when Midge - and dad Siyam - would be ready to let their young take their first pups - yet to be named and sexed - are part of the European breeding programme for the vulnerable species, which faces loss of their natural habitat in the sexes will be confirmed by vets once they are older and more independent from their McKillop said the pair have "grown so much" in the past few weeks."Their curiosity and energy are really starting to shine through. To see them developing so well, and now out in the water splashing around, is fantastic." She said Siyam and Midge have been "fantastic" as parents, particularly since they are Midge's first litter."They've been on-hand every step of the way, keeping a cautious eye on their offspring, making sure they're staying safe and warm in the den for as long as possible – and bringing them back in when it's time for bed."
