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Daily Mail
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How the Royal Albert Hall was saved by the rave: KATIE HIND
It's the quintessentially British music venue known best for being home to the Proms, that summer-long series of daily classical music concerts. Rich in royal history having been dedicated by Queen Victoria to her late beloved husband back in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has hosted performances by some of the world's leading artists over the past century and a half. The Grade I-listed building on the edge of Hyde Park, with its distinctive glass and wrought-iron dome roofing, stages more than 390 shows a year in the main auditorium, including classical, rock and pop concerts. It also hosts ballet, opera, film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment, sporting extravaganzas, school and community events, awards ceremonies and charity performances and banquets. Now, following financial problems that at times threatened its very future as an arts venue, it is opening its doors to a radically new musical genre – dance DJs are battling it out to secure coveted slots which sell out to ravers of all ages. Few would have predicted that legendary DJ Pete Tong, who hosted a sell-out gig there back in May, and urban music pioneer Trevor Nelson, whose soul music Christmas special is also immensely popular, would have proved such a success. Meanwhile, Manchester's Hacienda nightclub icon Graeme Park and the Ministry of Sound entertainment brand have also held hugely innovative nights at the Albert Hall recently. The scale of the transformation in the Hall's fortunes brought about by these acts has prompted the music industry to joke that the Royal Albert Hall has been 'saved by the rave'. One insider says: 'Who would have thought that these DJs would be the saviours of a venue as steeped in history as the Albert Hall, that something so much more modern and less traditional would come to its rescue.' It was respected music industry manager Neale Easterby who helped to bring Trevor Nelson's sell-out shows to what would once have been considered an unlikely venue. 'To be inside the building when Trevor, or indeed when any of the DJs is putting on one of their nights is an amazing experience,' Easterby told the Mail. 'You get the experience of being inside not just one of Britain's most iconic venues, but one of the finest venues in the world. At the same time you get to hear fantastic orchestras performing with brilliant vocalists, helping to breathe new life into already classic tracks. 'It's an infectious mix. And seeing a younger, more diverse audience get to appreciate not just the music, but come to visibly enjoy being inside the Albert Hall is a wonderful sight.' The Hall's financial troubles began in earnest after it was hit hard by the Covid pandemic. It was forced to furlough 80 per cent of its staff and cancel hundreds of performances. The venue lost around £27 million in income and had to refund around £7.5 million in ticket sales. Some feared that it might never be the same again. But post-pandemic the Albert Hall's dance music revolution has been at the heart of its return to economic viability. 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing,' says Tong, of his now regular Ibiza Classics nights at the Hall. 'It isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way.' That has included drafting in the Albert Hall's official organist Anna Lapwood, who has become something of a classical music sensation in her own right. She described her performance at one of Tong's sell-out shows there as 'the greatest day of my life' in a post on social media site TikTok, where she has 1.4 million followers. The 30-year-old, awarded an MBE for services to music, has also described the 'electric energy' inside the Hall, saying: 'You feel the audience's excitement bouncing off the walls, and the organ just amplifies that connection.' Only last month, she closed the Ministry of Sound's sell-out takeover of the Hall, with what Lapwood now says was the 'mash-up to end all mash-ups', which included a reworking of dance act Faithless's hit Insomnia on the venue's beautiful organ, which – at the time it was built – was the largest musical instrument in the world and described as 'the voice of Jupiter'.Trevor Nelson first staged his Soul Christmas extravaganza at the Albert Hall in 2019, with special guests performing re-imagined Soul and R'n'B tracks, with help from the incomparable BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Troy Miller. The festive night was an instant success but has gone on to even greater heights in the aftermath of the pandemic, seeing artists such as Roachford and Corinne Bailey Rae perform. He has also hosted a sell-out Windrush 75th anniversary event there and curated the BBC Concert Orchestra's Sunday night Proms extravaganza, which sees classic Motown and soul tracks given a new lease of life. Nelson describes the Albert Hall as a 'magical' venue. 'Every time I walk inside I think exactly the same thing: incredible vibes,' he says. Another remarkable success at the venue has been the sell-out Haçienda Classical nights put on by Graeme Park alongside musical director Tim Crooks, at which tracks made famous at the legendary Manchester nightclub are given a rebirth by the Manchester Camerata orchestra. Each Hacienda night has been a sell-out. The sight of ravers, who first danced to house music classics such as the seminal Strings Of Life by Rhythim and Show Me Love by Robin S in the 1980s and early 90s, rising from their seats and dancing like teenagers rather than people in their 50s and 60s, is a joy to behold. Hacienda Classic nights have also seen the likes of Happy Monday's star Bez and Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook grace the stage. Much of the credit for the Albert Hall's success with its dance music events can be attributed to its CEO James Ainscough, who returned as chief executive having previously been finance director, in 2023, following a spell as CEO of charity Help Musicians. 'We want to have our doors as wide open as we did in the 1960s when we had early gigs by The Beatles, the Stones, The Yardbirds, Cream, Pink Floyd,' says Ainscough. 'We want to make sure the door's wide open to a full array of artists and a full array of audiences. 'Whatever the genre, age, ethnicity or anything else of the artist, we want to make sure everybody feels we've got something for them. 'We're not going to have less classical music, or fewer legends, there's room for everyone here. We're going to make sure that every single person fancies at least one night at the Royal Albert Hall each year.' The enthusiasm for change is of course welcomed by all, but you just can't help but wonder just what Queen Victoria would make of her precious building being the new home of rave.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Who is Love Island Casa Amor bombshell Yaz?
HALF a dozen more bombshell beauties have landed in the spin-off villa just in time for Casa Amor, so tensions could quickly reach boiling point. The Sun exclusively revealed the identities of the six sexy singletons sauntering into Love Island 2025 — here we get to know Yaz. 4 4 The identities of six bombshells heading into Casa Amor was first reported by The Sun after it was teased in the episode on July 4, 2025. The fan-favourite feature of the show sees a selection of stunning islanders test the loyalties of the current contestants. Who is Love Island bombshell Yaz? Yaz — full name Yaz Broom — is a 26-year-old DJ from Manchester. She is a professional DJ who performs under the stage name Just Yaz. Her Instagram is packed with content related to her work, including posters for Ministry of Sound albums and pics of her playing super clubs and festivals. She goes by the handle @yasmin_lauryn, and already boasts over 18k followers, as of July 8, 2025. Yas' musical background is extensive — before her career behind the decks, she was a member of the girl group Four of Diamonds, who competed on The X Factor in 2016. The group reached the live shows and were the fifth act eliminated, but they went on to sign a deal with EMI Records. They collaborated with artists including Burna Boy and Saweetie before they disbanded in 2020. On her musical abilities and career, Yaz said: "The one thing that people are most surprised to learn about me is that I can sing. Watch the moment Harry snogs ex-girlfriend Emma in saucy game leaving Helena furious "Some people also think I'm lying about being a DJ. Especially guys on a night out!" Yaz describes herself as someone who "falls fast in a relationship" and insists she doesn't have a game plan for her time in the villa. She explained: "I can be a bit delusional. When I fall for someone, I forget everything else. "My whole life goes on hold for the person I'm in love with. I'm a lovergirl." I'm in there for myself and I want to find a genuine connection Yaz But she already has her sights set on a trio of the boys and doesn't mind turning their heads. Yaz said: "I have my eye on three boys — Harrison, Tommy and Conor. "They all seem like they treat women really well, and they have nice personalities and nice bodies." She added: "I don't feel bad about turning someone's head because at the end of the day, I'm in there for myself and I want to find a genuine connection. Summing up Love Island 2025 so far, Yaz said: 'I would say it's been wild, feral and crazy. "From watching it at home and comparing it to previous series, it's a crazy one'. And on the type of islander she'll be, Yaz says she's full of surprises: "I think I'll be a fun and geeky Islander but I don't think it'll be expected. "People always tell me they never thought I'd be like that but then I open my mouth." Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Holbrough: A model ready to make waves. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. Yasmin Pettet: The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. Emily Moran: Bombshell Welsh brunette from the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel. Harrison Solomon: Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Giorgio Russo: The 30-year-old will be spending his summer in the sun, potentially his sister Alessia's successful tournament at the Euros in Switzerland. Departures: Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. Malisha Jordan: A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Shea Mannings: Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. Caprice Alexandra: The 26-year-old bombshell owns a nursery in Romford. Poppy Harrison: The bombshell broke up with her boyfriend after finding out she would be in the villa Will Means: The fourth fittest farmer in the UK according to Farmers' Weekly in 2023 entered the villa as a bombshell Megan Clarke: An Irish actress part of the OG line-up. Remell Mullins: Boasts over 18million likes and 500k followers on TikTok thanks to his sizzling body transformation videos.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Bollywood film worker and partner 'may have mistaken killer drug for sleeping pills' as urgent warning issued over 'highly dangerous synthetic opioid' spreading across London
A Bollywood film worker and his partner who died after taking 'mystery green pills' may have mistaken a killer synthetic drug for sleeping tablets, it has been reported. The couple named locally as Gagan Brar, 28, and Kamaldeep Kaur, 20, were found unconscious in their first-floor flat in Southall, west London, last Monday. It is believed they accidentally overdosed on super-strong opioids following a night out with their flatmates over the spring bank holiday weekend. Yesterday, an urgent warning about a highly dangerous synthetic opioid that has been seen across the capital was issued by the London Ambulance Service. Several nightclubs across London, including the Ministry of Sound, have also warned customers about dangerous pills in circulation. While it has not yet been confirmed what exactly Mr Brar and Ms Kaur took, it is feared to be nitazenes - a synthetic opioid that can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. The blue-green tablets marked '80' have been sold across London and have also been mismarketed as other drugs such as oxycodone - a highly-addictive prescription painkiller. Pictures of the pills Mr Brar and Ms Kaur are thought to have took show they have the number 80 written on one side, with two letters, possibly OP, on the other. One theory being considered is that the pair thought they were taking 'oxys' or sleeping pills, The Times has reported. Picture shows pills that were seized by police following the two deaths Mr Brar, 28, originally from India, was a driver for celebrities in the Bollywood film industry who visited London. Ms Kaur, 20, had just left university and worked in the hospitality industry. A father-of-three and neighbour to the couple told Metro: 'To me they were a clean-cut, hardworking couple who left early in the morning and were ambitious. 'They were a pleasure to be around. 'It's a total shock – if something like this can happen to them it can happen to anyone. They were the perfect couple just enjoying life.' He added: 'It was horrific on the day they were found. I think they had been out with the flatmates the night before. 'They wondered why the couple had it got up the next day originally thinking they were just having a lay in. Then one went in their bedroom and found them. 'The flatmates were in total shock. Loads of police ambulances came. One of the flatmates was vomiting, it was just terrible.' Another neighbour added: 'The guy drove Bollywood celebrities around and was on the crew, he had a bright future ahead of him. His partner was a beautiful, hard-working person. 'We used to meet up with them in the garden. We watched some of the cricket World Cup together. They were great company.' A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: 'In recent days, we have been informed that a highly dangerous synthetic opioid has been seen across London. 'We have issued additional guidance to our control room staff to be aware of any emergency calls where the patient's condition may be linked to recreational drugs. 'If you suspect someone has symptoms of a recreational drug overdose, which can include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, blue or grey lips or fingertips, call 999 immediately.' The Met Police said in a statement: 'Police continue to make enquiries following the sudden deaths of a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in Ealing on Monday. 'This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill. 'No arrests have been made at this time and we're working closely with our partners, including the health service and councils, to issue advice to people in the area.' Ealing Council have also raised the alarm over the mystery pills circulating. In a statement, a spokesperson said: 'Over the Bank Holiday weekend, two people were found dead in Southall, following attendance at a nightclub in South London on Saturday 24 May. 'They are thought to have consumed green pills with an '80' on one face and possibly an 'OP' on the other. 'Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react. 'If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.'
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Warning over synthetic opioid in blue-green pills linked to London nightclub deaths
Two people in their twenties have died in London after allegedly consuming a super-strong opioid drug, believed to be a nitazene, which can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. The victims, a 20-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, reportedly took the drug after visiting a club in south London over the May bank holiday weekend. Nightclub the Ministry of Sound issued a warning about blue-green pills marked with '80' being sold across London, which are suspected to contain synthetic opioids, ketamine, and MDMA, and are being mis-sold as ecstasy or oxycodone. Professor Fiona Measham, founder of drug checking charity The Loop, told The Times there had been two nitazene-related deaths per week in the UK, with the latest deaths appearing to leap from dependent to recreational users. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the deaths and awaiting toxicology results, while the Home Office stated they are working to tackle the threat from synthetic opioids but cannot endorse recreational drug testing.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning after two suspected opioid deaths at the weekend: Met Police urge Brits to take care after pills '500 times stronger than heroin' are feared to be being used in nightclubs
An urgent warning has been issued after two people died in a suspected synthetic opioid overdose following a night out over the weekend. A man, 28, and woman, 20, are thought to have taken Nitazenes, believed to be up to 500 times stronger than heroin, after partying at a south London nightclub during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Their bodies were later discovered at a property in Southall, west London, after a concerned friend was unable to wake the pair. The Met Police confirmed an investigation into their 'sudden deaths' had commenced but no arrests had been made yet. The force added: 'This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill.' Drug testing charity The Loop has suggested these pills contain Nitazenes, which can be '50 to 500 times stronger than heroin'. The organisation added that they are often sold under the pretence that they are oxycodone, a highly addictive prescription painkiller. A theory is that the pair thought they were taking oxycodone to assist them in getting to sleep, The Times reports. World famous south London club Ministry Of Sound warned its customers to 'stay safe' last week, just days after the deaths over Bank Holiday weekend. The pills taken by the users over the weekend had the number 80 on one side and possibly an 'OP' on the other, Ealing Council said. The Cause nightclub in east London has taken to its Instagram account to claim there had been 'several hospitalisations across multiple London venues' associated with the pills. MailOnline has approached the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to verify this statement. The Met Police has also been contacted for comment. An Ealing Council spokesperson told people to avoid taking the pills 'even in small amounts' and that people considering consuming them should not do so by themselves. Users should also think about carrying naloxone - an opioid overdose antidote. Nitazenes were first created in the 1950s as opioid painkillers but were never approved for medical use. For 70 years, their existence was forgotten. Then, after Britain and America's withdrawal from Afghanistan - and the Taliban's subsequent narcotics ban - they re-emerged as a way to strengthen low-purity heroin in case opium supplies dwindled. Experts are united in their fear of the rising risk of nitazenes. Yet, while heroin users are still vulnerable, young people buying traditionally legal drugs such as Valium and Xanax as coping mechanisms are also at risk. In fact, MailOnline analysis of data from the UK's only drug testing facility Wedinos has revealed that two-thirds of samples that contained nitazenes were supposed to be legal medications that could be purchased legally. Two-thirds of that total were bought by people intending to buy Valium (diazepam). So far, the number of nitazene-related deaths only stands at 458 in the last two years, up to April 13. However, there was a 166 per cent increase from 2023 (125 deaths) to 2024 (333 deaths) - more than double in a single year, and even that total is expected to rise once toxicology and forensic testing improves and is finalised. Steve Rolles, a senior policy analyst at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, told MailOnline: 'The number of deaths is rising at an alarming rate. It's the tip of the iceberg. 'What has happened in the US should be a warning to policymakers in the UK. We could be heading to a US-style overdose crisis. We are talking thousands or tens of thousands dying. 'All the indications are that is what is happening. I'm very wary of scaremongering about drugs but I'm deeply worried about the potential carnage opioids could do in the UK. 'We already have the highest overdose rate in Europe. Nitazenes could make it way, way worse. 'This is a very serious public health emergency that's not being taken seriously enough.' He added: 'I am scared. There's almost one person dying every day from nitazenes and most people haven't even heard of it. 'If it was anything else, there would be national panic. The government hasn't grasped the urgency of this.' Rolles is starting to see heroin mixed with nitazenes on the streets of Britain. He said: 'It does seem it's getting more [prevalent] as the heroin supply dries up.'
