Latest news with #Roland
The Guardian
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Drayton and Mackenzie by Alexander Starritt review – a warmly comic saga of male friendship
Scottish-German author Alexander Starritt's debut, The Beast, followed a tabloid journalist; his second novel, We Germans, was about a Nazi. His new book gets us rooting for two wealthy management consultants fresh out of Oxford, both of them men (assuming you haven't already tuned out). I suspect his agent might have found it easier to pitch a novel about sex criminals, not least because Drayton and Mackenzie's approach is so unfashionably traditionalist: it's a chunky, warmly observed, 9/11-to-Covid saga that, while comic in tone and often extremely funny, doesn't labour under any obligation to send up its protagonists, still less take them down. James Drayton, born to north London academics, is a socially awkward high achiever who privately measures himself against Christopher Columbus and Napoleon. Joining the McKinsey consultancy firm after coming top of his year in philosophy, politics and economics hasn't eased the pressure he has always felt to 'come up with something so brilliant it was irrefutable, like the obliterating ultra-white light of a nuclear bomb'. The key to his sense of destiny arrives in the unlikely shape of a slacking junior colleague, Roland Mackenzie, who graduated with a 2:2 in physics (for James, a shame akin to 'admitting erectile dysfunction'). Mutual suspicion thaws when they're tasked with restructuring an Aberdeen oil firm in possession of the patents for a pioneering underwater turbine – tempting James and Roland to poach their star engineer, quit McKinsey and go it alone in green energy. It's a mark of Starritt's confidence that the quest to harness tidal power – the book's main business – gets going only 200 pages in. We feel in safe hands from the start, reassured that he knows the story's every last turn ('In later years, when he was the subject of articles and interviews …' begins a line about James on the second page, his A-levels barely over). But we're kept on our toes: while the narration hews to the point of view of the central duo, it fills in the period backdrop – bailouts, Brexit – by dipping unpredictably into the perspective of real-life figures such as the Italian politician and former president of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi, seen delivering his famous 2012 speech vowing to save the euro 'whatever it takes'. As James and Roland jet around the world for venture capital, Starritt grants hefty speaking parts to PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Elon Musk (is he allowed to do that?, I asked myself: always a sign of a writer up to something exciting). The plot is crammed with curveballs for the plucky entrepreneurs, whether it's a shattered undersea cable, a coma caused by undiagnosed diabetes, or the dilemma that ensues when James and Roland fall for the same woman, having spent much of the novel joking uneasily about going to bed with each other. With a joyful knack for pithy analogy, the writing holds our attention as much as the events: the aforementioned relationship wrangle induces a 'low eczemal itch of guilt' in the eventual girlfriend-stealer, while new parents drive home from the maternity ward feeling 'like random civilians handed suits and guns and told to protect a miniature, defenceless president'. There's pathos as well as laughter in the protagonists' beer-and-Champions League blokeishness, a way to keep unvoiced feeling at bay. When Roland, nearly 30, wistfully recalls a teenage holiday fling, he thinks that 'she was probably someone's mum by now', a line hinting at his deep-lying sense of stasis, even as the company's ambition grows: not just electricity, but rocket fuel. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion Because it concentrates on personalities rather than systems or ideas – not unlike Richard T Kelly's 2023 North Sea oil novel, The Black Eden – Drayton and Mackenzie probably won't be called 'cli-fi' in the way that the novels of Richard Powers are, but it's a reminder that science fiction isn't the only game in town in terms of writing about the environment and technology. Yet while there's no shortage of chat about electrolysers and optimal blade rotation, Starritt keeps his focus on the human story of invention: dangling quietly over the action is the fact that James, lauded as a visionary, relies mostly for his ideas on other people. In the end, though, critique of disruptor-era genius is less important here than feeling and friendship; the winningly Edwardian, even Victorian, approach to storytelling extends right to the heart-swelling deathbed climax. It might have been subtitled A Love Story. Drayton and Mackenzie by Alexander Starritt is published by Swift (£16.99). To support the Guardian buy a copy at Delivery charges may apply.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
British rock icon, 63, expecting baby with wife, 38, after 'secret' wedding
An icon of British rock has revealed that he is expecting a baby with his wife after their 'secret' wedding. Tears for Fears musician Roland Orzabal, 63, shared the news that his wife Emily Rath, 38, is pregnant in a romantic post on Instagram. His wife can be seen posing in front of a beautiful rock backdrop with plants as she holds her bump. The couple, who live in the Hollywood Hills, privately tied the knot back in 2020 after the pandemic changed their wedding plans. Discussing their special day, Emily, who is a photographer, told The Sun: 'We had to postpone our original wedding date in September 2020 because of Covid. 'I felt as all corona brides have been feeling: angry, sad, gypped, and confused as to when we should have a wedding. 'Roland and I were in the States for work. We desperately wanted to get married, even just legally, and so to honour our original date, we secretly eloped, just the two of us, atop a mountain in Aspen. It was the most magical moment of my life. 'It breaks my heart that my family could not be there to see it, but no one wanted to risk their safety. 'Two weddings was never my dream, but we adapted, separating the legal wedding from the celebratory wedding to come.' She went on to say: 'In September we were able to use the autumnal flowers we'd originally wanted, and next year we can have all of the spring flowers!' We've teamed up with Camp Bestival Dorset to give one lucky Metro reader and their family the chance to win family weekend tickets, worth up to £1,172! Created by families, for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you would expect from a perfect and action-packed festival adventure. Headliners include music legend Sir Tom Jones, pop icons Sugababes, plus a carnival-filled live show from electronic music duo Basement Jaxx. Simply enter your details here to be in with a chance of winning four tickets to this epic experience. You have until midnight on 23 July to enter. Good luck! * Open to GB residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+. Promotion opens at 18:01 on 16/7/25 and closes at 23:59 on 23/7/25. Entrant must submit their first and last name, email address, date of birth and postcode when prompted via the entry form available on (available here). 1 prize available of a family weekend camping ticket, including two (2) adult tickets and up to four (4) child and/or teen tickets in any combination as chosen by the winner to attend Camp Bestival (Lulworth Castle, Dorset) from 31st July 2025 to 3rd August 2025. Maximum 1 entry per person. Attendance is governed by the Camp Bestival Terms and Conditions. Full T&Cs apply, see here. Roland was previously married to Caroline, who died in 2017 at the age of 54 following a battle with alcoholism-related dementia and cirrhosis.. He has two sons with Caroline, called Pascal and Raoul. This difficult period in his life was said to have inspired his 2022 album The Tipping Point. Roland, who was raised in Portsmouth, is one half of the legendary band Tears for Fears alongside Curt Smith, 64. The band are known for some huge hits, such as 1984's Shout and 1985's Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head Over Heels. 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: What really happened the night Ozzy Osbourne ripped a bat's head off with his teeth MORE: British rock band cancels tour dates after 'unexpected and catastrophic event' at member's home MORE: Rock legend worth £110,000,000 shocks fans on £47 Ryanair flight to Bristol
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rock legend, 63, to become a dad again as wife, 38, is pregnant with their first baby
A British rock star is set to become a dad again as his wife revealed she is pregnant and is expecting their first child together after tying the knot in 2020 A British rock legend is ready to became a dad for the third time. Roland Orzabal's younger wife Emily Rath Orzabal confirmed she is pregnant. It will be the first child for the Tears for Fears star, 63, and his photographer wife, 38. He also shares two kids, Pascal and Raoul, from his previous marriage to Caroline, who died in 2017 aged 54. The Shout star Roland's new wife revealed the exciting news on social media, sharing a sweet Instagram post with her followers. The image showed Emily cradling her baby bump while wearing a hooped dress top. She gazed down at her belly with a loving stare in the snap. She simply captioned the upload with a red heart emoji. The pair were met with an influx of well wishes in the comments section of the post. One user gushed: "The glow and beauty of being a mother... Aww, congratulations to you both." Another said: "Hallelujah, you've never looked more beautiful Bless you for sharing with us for we do truly care and are beyond excited for the family. Blessings." Roland and Emily quietly wed in 2020. They exchanged their vows on top of Aspen Mountain in Colorado. It came after the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to cancel their original wedding plans. At the time, Emily shared: 'We had to postpone our original wedding date in September 2020 because of Covid. I felt as all corona brides have been feeling: angry, sad, gypped, and confused as to when we should have a wedding. 'Roland and I were in the States for work. We desperately wanted to get married, even just legally, and so to honour our original date, we secretly eloped, just the two of us, atop a mountain in Aspen. It was the most magical moment of my life. 'It breaks my heart that my family could not be there to see it, but no one wanted to risk their safety. Two weddings was never my dream, but we adapted, separating the legal wedding from the celebratory wedding to come.' She went on to add: 'In September we were able to use the autumnal flowers we'd originally wanted, and next year we can have all of the spring flowers! We got married at 11,212 ft high on Aspen Mountain, whereas next year will be inside an incredible venue." Emily also gushed over how happy she had been in the months following the intimate ceremony. "Six months into marriage, I am so happy," she said. "And cannot wait to marry Roland again next year, with all of our favourite people around us. We've been planning that one for a very very long time, so it should be extraordinary!' The pair did celebrate with a bigger wedding the following year. They were surrounded by loved ones at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for take two.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
British rock legend, 63, reveals wife, 38, is pregnant with their first baby together in romantic bump snap
BRITISH rock legend Roland Orzabal has revealed his wife Emily Rath Orzabal is pregnant with their first baby together. news with a romantic Instagram post showing off her baby bump, simply captioned with a red heart emoji. Advertisement 5 Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabal has revealed his wife Emily Rath Orzabal is pregnant with their first baby together Credit: Alamy 5 She showed off her baby bump in an Instagram announcement Credit: Instagram Posed against a rocky wall, she wore a brown-and-white striped dress and gazed down adoringly at her stomach. The couple privately tied the knot in 2020, saying 'I do' on top of Aspen Mountain in Colorado after the pandemic forced them to cancel their original wedding plans. Reflecting on the moment, Emily shared: 'We had to postpone our original wedding date in September 2020 because of Covid. 'I felt as all corona brides have been feeling: angry, sad, gypped, and confused as to when we should have a wedding. Advertisement read more on Roland Orzabal 'Roland and I were in the States for work. We desperately wanted to get married, even just legally, and so to honour our original date, we secretly eloped, just the two of us, atop a mountain in Aspen. It was the most magical moment of my life. 'It breaks my heart that my family could not be there to see it, but no one wanted to risk their safety. 'Two weddings was never my dream, but we adapted, separating the legal wedding from the celebratory wedding to come.' She went on to say: 'In September we were able to use the autumnal flowers we'd originally wanted, and next year we can have all of the spring flowers! Advertisement Most read in Celebrity 'We got married at 11,212 ft high on Aspen Mountain, whereas next year will be inside an incredible venue. 'I wore a stunning Amanda Wakeley dress, which flowed in the wind so beautifully, and next year I will be wearing Phillipa Lepley. Tears For Fears - Mad World music video 'I still don't feel as though I've had a wedding, because it was just the two of us, and it was a secret. We have yet to have a first dance or a honeymoon! 'But, six months into marriage , I am so happy, and cannot wait to marry Roland again next year, with all of our favourite people around us. We've been planning that one for a very very long time, so it should be extraordinary!' Advertisement The following year, the pair celebrated with a bigger wedding surrounded by loved ones at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. Roland already has two sons, Pascal and Raoul, from his previous marriage to Caroline, who sadly died in 2017 at the age of 54 following a battle with alcoholism-related dementia and cirrhosis. After Caroline's death, Roland told Those personal struggles went on to inspire the band's 2022 album The Tipping Point . Advertisement Last October, Tears for Fears released a track titled Emily Said, prompting Emily to write on Instagram: 'It's a good day for Emilys around the world because @tearsforfearsmusic just released a song about us.' Roland remains one half of Tears for Fears, alongside bandmate Curt Smith. The iconic duo are best known for hits like Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head Over Heels. 5 The couple privately tied the knot in 2020 Credit: Instagram Advertisement 5 Roland remains one half of Tears for Fears, alongside bandmate Curt Smith Credit: Getty - Contributor 5 The iconic duo are best known for hits like Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head Over Heels Credit: Getty - Contributor
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
British rock legend, 63, reveals wife, 38, is pregnant with their first baby together in romantic bump snap
He already has two sons, Pascal and Raoul, from his previous marriage Sweet Surprise British rock legend, 63, reveals wife, 38, is pregnant with their first baby together in romantic bump snap Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH rock legend Roland Orzabal has revealed his wife Emily Rath Orzabal is pregnant with their first baby together. Tears for Fears musician Roland, 63, and photographer Emily, 38, announced the news with a romantic Instagram post showing off her baby bump, simply captioned with a red heart emoji. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Tears for Fears' Roland Orzabal has revealed his wife Emily Rath Orzabal is pregnant with their first baby together Credit: Alamy 5 She showed off her baby bump in an Instagram announcement Credit: Instagram Posed against a rocky wall, she wore a brown-and-white striped dress and gazed down adoringly at her stomach. The couple privately tied the knot in 2020, saying 'I do' on top of Aspen Mountain in Colorado after the pandemic forced them to cancel their original wedding plans. Reflecting on the moment, Emily shared: 'We had to postpone our original wedding date in September 2020 because of Covid. 'I felt as all corona brides have been feeling: angry, sad, gypped, and confused as to when we should have a wedding. 'Roland and I were in the States for work. We desperately wanted to get married, even just legally, and so to honour our original date, we secretly eloped, just the two of us, atop a mountain in Aspen. It was the most magical moment of my life. 'It breaks my heart that my family could not be there to see it, but no one wanted to risk their safety. 'Two weddings was never my dream, but we adapted, separating the legal wedding from the celebratory wedding to come.' She went on to say: 'In September we were able to use the autumnal flowers we'd originally wanted, and next year we can have all of the spring flowers! 'We got married at 11,212 ft high on Aspen Mountain, whereas next year will be inside an incredible venue. 'I wore a stunning Amanda Wakeley dress, which flowed in the wind so beautifully, and next year I will be wearing Phillipa Lepley. Tears For Fears - Mad World music video 'I still don't feel as though I've had a wedding, because it was just the two of us, and it was a secret. We have yet to have a first dance or a honeymoon! 'But, six months into marriage, I am so happy, and cannot wait to marry Roland again next year, with all of our favourite people around us. We've been planning that one for a very very long time, so it should be extraordinary!' The following year, the pair celebrated with a bigger wedding surrounded by loved ones at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. Roland already has two sons, Pascal and Raoul, from his previous marriage to Caroline, who sadly died in 2017 at the age of 54 following a battle with alcoholism-related dementia and cirrhosis. After Caroline's death, Roland told The Irish Times his world 'sort of fell apart in 2018,' and he later sought help in rehab. Those personal struggles went on to inspire the band's 2022 album The Tipping Point. Last October, Tears for Fears released a track titled Emily Said, prompting Emily to write on Instagram: 'It's a good day for Emilys around the world because @tearsforfearsmusic just released a song about us.' Roland remains one half of Tears for Fears, alongside bandmate Curt Smith. The iconic duo are best known for hits like Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head Over Heels. 5 The couple privately tied the knot in 2020 Credit: Instagram 5 Roland remains one half of Tears for Fears, alongside bandmate Curt Smith Credit: Getty - Contributor
