Latest news with #Morello
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New energy bill update for thousands of people affected by RTS meter switch-off this month
The Radio Teleswitch Service will start to be phased out from June 30. Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce Radio Teleswitching System (RTS) specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect people from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher energy bills, according to the UK Government. The energy regulator recently consulted on this and is expected to publish a response in the coming weeks. Thousands of Scottish households with ageing energy meters will be affected when the mass RTS deactivation begins on June 30. The latest figures from Ofgem indicate that as of April 4, 2025, there were 129,814 RTS meters remaining in Scotland. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh answered several written questions from MPs on the topic, including whether or not the deadline could be extended and what steps are being taken to help households still waiting on their energy supplier to install a smart meter. In a written response to Conservative MP David Mundell, who asked about the switch-off process, Ms Fahnbulleh said that energy suppliers led by the RTS Taskforce are planning a careful phase out of RTS from June 30. She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce, industry and Ofgem to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.' Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello asked about support for people whose electricity meters are not replaced before the deadline, through no fault of their own. Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'The Government has made clear to industry that suppliers must fulfil their obligations to customers and drive up the rate of Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter replacements. 'As part of the RTS Taskforce we are doing all that we can to protect consumers from any negative impacts, and make sure that the carefully managed phase out process of RTS from 30 June is as smooth as possible for consumers.' Mr Morello also asked about the potential merits of extending the deadline due to delays from suppliers in fitting new meters. The Energy Minister explained there will be a 'carefully managed phase out of the service starting from 30 June' because the RTS is 'reaching the end of its operational life and can no longer be adequately maintained'. She added: 'The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.' Mr Morello also submitted a question asking what steps are being taken to protect customers if their meter is not replaced by the deadline at the end of this month. Ms Fahnbulleh responded: 'Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce RTS specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect consumers from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher bills. Ofgem has recently consulted on this and will publish a response in the coming weeks. 'These new protections are in addition to current conditions put on suppliers to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed in RTS premises and that consumers' services are not disrupted.' The head of Scotland's national advice service has also raised the alarm over the slow replacement of thousands of ageing energy meters, warning of a 'looming crisis' just weeks before the deadline. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said vulnerable households were among those at risk of being 'left in the cold' with less than a month to go. In a letter to Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley, he warned that many households remain unaware of what will happen if their RTS meter is not replaced. A similar letter has also been sent to the regulator by Consumer Scotland, the independent statutory body which represents the interests of customers. In his letter, Mr Bartlett called for energy suppliers to proactively identify and prioritise vulnerable customers for meter upgrades, as well as a fresh public information campaign. With the RTS deadline fast approaching, Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service has been receiving more calls from worried households. Anyone who has not received a letter or email should contact their supplier now. Support is also available at or by calling 0808 196 8660. Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With less than a month to go until the RTS signal starts being switched off across the country, it is increasingly clear that progress on replacing them has not been fast enough. Ofgem needs to urgently clarify if it intends to stick to the June 30 deadline and if a phased approach is being taken, which parts of Scotland will be affected first. 'We are picking up a lot of confusion among affected customers, some of whom are trying to have their RTS meters replaced but have been told it isn't possible until after the switch-off. 'At a time when thousands of people are struggling with energy debts and the cost of living, nobody should be left out of pocket for replacing their meter either. 'Our message to consumers is that if you know someone with an RTS meter, especially if they are vulnerable, encourage them to get it replaced before the deadline if they can. 'The most important thing to remember is that free help and advice is available. Anyone who is worried should visit or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Morello Joins Team Springsteen, Rages Against Donald Trump During Festival Set: ‘F–k That Guy!'
Tom Morello has never been one to mince words when it comes to his thoughts on Donald Trump. The firebrand Rage Against the Machine guitarist and solo star joined his friend and fellow rock agitator Bruce Springsteen over the weekend in giving a NSFW salute No. 27 from the stage. Performing at the Boston Calling 2025 music festival on Sunday (May 25), Morello took the stage in front of a towering backdrop that featured a series of images of the president amid a sea of oversized buttons that spelled out 'F–K TRUMP.' If that message wasn't clear enough, at one point during his set, Morello flipped his instrument up to play with his teeth and revealed another pointed message aimed at the current administration taped to the back of his guitar that read 'F–k I.C.E.,' in seeming reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency charged with implementing Trump's aggressive deportation policy. More from Billboard Here Are the 2025 American Music Awards Winners (Updating Live) Shakira Falls Onstage During 'Whenever, Wherever' Performance at Montreal Concert Billy Joel's Daughter Alexa Ray Joel Offers Encouraging Words About Dad's Health Diagnosis Introducing a cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'The Ghost of Tom Joad,' Morello dedicated the track to The Boss, noting that the rocker has been 'in a tussle with the president lately' after the Jersey giant recently dubbed the current administration 'corrupt, incompetent and treasonous,' a broadside that raised the ire of the commander in chief. 'Bruce is going after Trump because Bruce, his whole life, he's been about truth, justice, democracy, equality,' Morello said. 'And Trump is mad at him because Bruce draws a much bigger audience. F–k that guy.' According to at the top of his set, Morello invited fans to enjoy 'the last big event before they throw us in jail.' In the midst of the Trump administration's attack on universities it claims are not doing enough to combat antisemitism, Morello also mentioned his alma mater, Harvard University, which has particularly drawn Trump's ire. In its latest actions, the administration has threatened to strip the school of more than $3 billion in grants following Trump's order to freeze more than $2.2 billion in federal funding grants for the university and threats to revoke its tax-exempt status. Morello praised Harvard's recent decision to offer a free online course called 'We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy.' Morello, who graduated with honors from Harvard in 1986 with a B.A. in political science, described the class as a primer on 'basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and how to recognize a dictatorship takeover of your country.' The lash out against Trump by Morello amid the president's slash-and-burn reshaping of democratic norms came after Springsteen kicked off his Land of Hope and Dreams tour in Manchester, England on May 14 by lambasting the blitz of strong-arm actions that many political pundits have deemed authoritarian. 'In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, and has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,' Springsteen told the crowd. 'Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against the authoritarianism, and let freedom ring.' As is his wont, Trump replied to Springsteen's harsh words with one of his all-caps Truth Social disses, calling the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer 'highly overrated' and 'dumb as a rock.' The president continued, 'Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he's not a talented guy — Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country.' On the precipice of what many financial experts say could be a ruinous global recession sparked by Trump's unpredictable, see-saw tariffs, the president continued his attacks on Springsteen over the ensuing days, adding in another of his favorite targets: Taylor Swift. On May 16, the 78-year-old leader of the free world wrote, 'Has anyone noticed that, since i said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'' While Swift has not responded to the unprovoked attack to date, Springsteen was unbowed, doubling down on his disdain for Trump on May 17, telling a crowd in Manchester, 'Things are happening right now that are altering the very nature of our country's democracy, and they're too important to ignore… In my home, they're persecuting people for their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. That's happening now… In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world's poorest children to sickness and death. That's happening now. In my country, they're taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers,' calling Trump an 'unfit president' who is running a 'rogue government.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello piles on Trump in Springsteen fight
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello is backing Bruce Springsteen against Donald Trump — in characteristically fiery terms. At a music festival in Boston on Sunday, the anti-capitalist axeman performed in front of a "F*** TRUMP" backdrop and welcomed his audience to the 'last big event before they throw us all in jail.' 'Bruce is going after Trump because Bruce, his whole life, he's been about truth, justice, democracy, equality,' said Morello, who has often toured and played with Springsteen in the past. "And Trump is mad at him because Bruce draws a bigger audience. F*** that guy!' Morello added. Springsteen is a longtime Trump critic who endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. But last week, their feud was rekindled when the Born to Run singer called Trump an "unfit president" leading a "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration" during a concert in the UK. Trump swiftly hit back on his social network Truth Social, calling him a "dried-out prune of a rocker" who is "not a talented guy,' before calling for a federal investigation into Springsteen's advocacy for Harris. "BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, OPRAH, BONO AND, PERHAPS, MANY OTHERS, HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!!!' Trump posted. On Sunday, Morello also praised his alma mater Harvard University — currently under attack by Trump for refusing to bend the knee to his government — for offering a free online civics course that teaches students "how to recognize a dictatorship takeover of your country.' Sporting a Malcolm X hat, he at one point turned his guitar over to reveal a "F*** ICE" sign on the other side, before playing the instrument with his teeth.
Boston Globe
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
On Sunday, Boston Calling went back to school
But if it felt like October during commencement season, several artists took the opportunity to note how their work has been fueled by higher learning. Tom Morello, the politically motivated former Rage Against the Machine bandleader, recalled how he taught himself to play guitar in the stairwell of his Harvard dormitory. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Advertisement Across the grounds, Vampire Weekend brought its bright college rock to the Green Stage. And on the midway, Berklee's curated lineup on the revived Arena Stage inside the Bright-Landry Hockey Center won some new fans for artists such as the powerhouse singer Aniyé, who bills herself as 'Ya Favorite Soul Sister.' Copilot, an exuberant group of friends who came together from various other college-era musical projects, anchored the day's lineup of local bands on the Orange Stage. Their soulful trio of lead vocalists (Maggie Hall, Ry McDonald, Jake Machell) combined to build an overall vibe like a millennial version of Delaney & Bonnie. Advertisement Before them, Nate Perry & Ragged Company previewed a busy summer with their sure-footed roots rock, while the all-female band Vivid Bloom beguiled with a heavy, effects-laden brand of shoegaze. Jakob Nowell performs with Sublime. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff The 'The sun will come out again,' he said. In fact, the sun did make a fleeting appearance, aptly during a set from the Florida-based beach-party band the 502s. Their relentless zeal, epitomized by their song 'Something's Gonna Go Our Way,' felt like a tipsy detour into Margaritaville. Griff Washburn of Goth Babe. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Combined with Goth Babe's upbeat set on the Green Stage — which wrapped with main man Griff Washburn tossing inflatable promo rafts (Pop-Tarts, Cheez-Its) to an enthusiastic fan base — it seemed, for a moment there, as though spring break had broken out. Morello, accompanied by his current electric band, brought the crowd back to reality with an hour-long set that was calculated to tick off the White House. 'Welcome, brothers and sisters, to the last big event before they throw us all in jail,' he said from beneath the bill of his black Malcolm X hat (those '90s again). Advertisement Beginning with 'Testify,' Rage's wrecking-ball anthems got plenty of air time in the form of multiple instrumental medleys. Morello played a searing slow blues, paid tribute to the late Chris Cornell (his band mate in Audioslave), and covered his friend Bruce Springsteen's 'The Ghost of Tom Joad.' He brandished his guitar like a rifle and brought on Chuck D for a cameo. His drummer paid tribute to Boston, wearing a Modern Lovers T-shirt. 'We learned an old college fight song for the occasion,' Morello said when he was almost done. 'Killing in the Name,' from Rage's 1992 debut, is a song about police brutality with an all-purpose refrain about refusing to obey. The mob bounced up and down, middle fingers raised. Dave Matthews performs on the Green Stage during Boston Calling on May 25, 2025. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Matthews's headlining set was not without social commentary — 'We should stop calling them leaders and start calling them 'misleaders,'' he said. But his 110 minutes onstage were dominated by his veteran band's proficiency and his own bittersweet lyrical theme, which amounts to 'Let's live life to the fullest, because we're all gonna die.' 'Tripping Billies' and 'What Would You Say' certainly fit the bill. 'Madman's Eyes' made a statement inside the fatefulness: the song is about mass shootings. Alongside their own material, Matthews and his band offered their time-tested version of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower' and a fun showcase for sideman Rashawn Ross on Cameo's party song 'Word Up!' 'Did we have a good time or what?' Ross chanted, deadpan. At least we could say we gave it the old college try. James Sullivan can be reached at .
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
'Witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way':Judas Priest documentary co-directed by Tom Morello in the works
A Judas Priest documentary helmed by Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello is on the way. 'The Ballad Of Judas Priest' - from Sony Music Vision - will be co-directed by Morello and Sam Dunn ('Metal: A Headbanger's Journey'). A release date is not known at this time. Rob Halford and co told Variety: 'We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!' Morello and Dunn added: 'Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how Judas Priest both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way. We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world.' Meanwhile, frontman Halford previously admitted he felt an "enormous feeling of freedom" when he came out as gay on MTV in 1998. The heavy metal legend never planned to announce to the world that he was homosexual when he casually referred to himself as a "gay man" during the Q A and he is still unsure whether he would have publicly come out if he had decided to make a more grandiose statement. In an interview with Apple Music's Hattie Collins in 2021, he said: "It was one of those things where I'm at MTV in New York, I'm talking about a project that I was working on called 'Two', with myself and John 5, the amazing guitar player. I was doing the rounds in New York City and ended up at MTV talking about this project. And in the casual course of the conversation, we were talking about the overall music, and the direction, and the feelings. And I said something to the effect of, 'Well, speaking as a gay man, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.' And then I heard the producer's clipboard bounce on the floor. It was one of those gay sharp intakes, 'Oh my God, he's come out.' 'And so that was it. So it was very simple. I think if I'd … I still say today, if I'd have really thought this through, like today's the day I'm going to come out, maybe I even wouldn't … maybe I may not have come out per se, because it's still a big moment for so many of us, with a close friend, with someone at school, with mum and dad, with whomever, to actually say, 'Hey, I'm a gay guy or I'm a gay girl.' It's just a big, big deal. It's just a glorious, glorious moment. 'So there I was, and I did the interview, and then I walked back to the hotel, and went back to my room, and go well, that's it, now everybody knows. And then, of course, it hit the news wires and that was that. 'So wow, it was just this enormous feeling of freedom, and the pressure was gone, and there's no more talking behind your back because you have all this ammunition of power as a gay person now, as an out gay person. Nothing can hurt you because this is it. You can't throw insults, you can't throw rumours, you can't say anything negative about me because I am who I am. So that's my wonderful memory of my great coming out day.' The 'Breaking The Law' rocker also opened up on the effect hiding his sexuality had on his mental health as the band achieved success in the 1970s and 1980s. Halford, 70, recalled how he would lock himself away in his hotel room after the band had played live because he was worried about being outed before he came out to his parents and bandmates. He said: "As a youngish guy in a thriving heavy metal band, it was difficult because I was in that place where a lot of us protected everybody else. '[I thought] 'Oh, I better not come out because it will upset my mum and dad. I hadn't better come out because it will upset my friends, I hadn't better come out because it'll upset my band and my fans and record company. 'I had all that riding on my shoulders through those moments of Priest when we were gaining headway, particularly in America. It was difficult y'know, I went back to my room and turned on the TV and that was it. 'I couldn't go to clubs, I couldn't go to bars because it was suggested, 'Don't do that, because paparazzi might get you and we'll have to do the cover story' and all this innuendo. 'Mentally, on top of being the gay man in the closet, I had all these extra pieces piled onto my life at that time.'
