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South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Eurovision winner Nemo on ‘insanity of having glittery party' amid world events
The Swiss non-binary singer, 25, who triumphed in Malmo, Sweden, with the opera-dance hit The Code, will perform new song Unexplainable during the 2025 final on Saturday, after releasing it on Friday. Following their win last year, Nemo said 'this whole experience was really intense' and they were 'really sad' over the furore about the 2024 contest, along with criticising that they had to 'smuggle' the trans flag on stage. The controversy led the organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to appoint an independent expert to review the contest and introduce welfare measures for artists, along with setting out that only the country flag can be carried by artists in the arena but symbols are welcome from fans. However, Nemo reflected that the EBU are in a 'difficult position'. The organisation has to be political neutral while putting on an event that sees countries compete against each other. The singer, who has been recording a new album in London over the last few months, told the PA news agency in Basel: 'I'm not thinking of anything specific in particular. 'But I think there's just so many things that are happening right now and that (is in) complete parallel to what Eurovision is. It's kind of insane to be here and have a glittery party when you think of the world at the moment. 'There just needs to be, like, more discussions about what Eurovision's role is in like Europe and in the world, and what it can contribute? Can it contribute something substantial? 'Is it just going to be a world people can get lost in for a few weeks to kind of forget about everything else, or is it something that it can actually contribute to?' Nemo called on the EBU to be 'more transparent' when it comes to decision making and added: 'I think it would help to really understand intentions and just the way forward for Eurovision.' Singer Nemo will perform in Basel (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) On the meaning of their win, Nemo said 'there's a lot of talks about queer, non-binary, trans people at the moment, but not a lot of talks with them, and I think it was kind of magical, in a way that it laid the ground for conversation in a very positive way'. They also said there is a lot of 'misconceptions' about people who identify as trans and non-binary, as well as 'hate', and questioned whether they would have made the 'very joyful' queer song The Code, about their gender identity, in this climate. Asked about the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman, Nemo called the decision 'very tough for me personally', and said the trans discourse is 'worrying'. They said: 'Eurovision is a platform for voices that aren't always heard, and it's a bit weird, because is this the only place where we can actually speak and be heard, and (does it) have to be a stage where we all dress up really, like crazy and do the most insane staging. 'So is that really the place we want to have these discussions, but sometimes you can't choose where you want those discussions to take place.' It comes after last year's contest saw Dutch singer Joost Klein kicked out of the competition by the EBU over alleged verbal threats to a female production worker, which he denied. Earlier this month, Nemo had called for Israel to be barred from competing amid the war in Gaza, and when pressed on how that could affect Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks, Nemo said this was not about 'a single individual'. They also said it had nothing to do with Israeli broadcaster Kan which, following protests from thousands of pro-Palestinian marchers last year, claimed it 'faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred' from the public artists and delegations in Malmo. Zoe Me from Switzerland performs the song Voyage during the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel (Martin Meissner/AP) Tensions appeared to have eased this year, with smaller pro-Palestinian protests in Basel on Sunday and Wednesday. The city of Basel, which has busking on the streets, pipe players, free music, food and other events, said Eurovision has been 'successful' so far, with thousands of 'enthusiastic spectators'. Ten more acts will qualify for the final on Thursday night, and will compete on Saturday alongside Switzerland's Zoe Me, and the 'big five' of the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. The EBU has been contacted for comment.
The Province
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
The Who Farewell Tour is coming to Vancouver: what you need to know
Classic rock legends announce the Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour, including a date in Vancouver Pete Townshend poses for photographers during the announcement of ' The Who: The Song Is Over, The North American Farewell Tour' in London. Photo by Scott A Garfitt / Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Classic rock legends The Who are the latest of the Woodstock-era acts to call an end to its six decade-long career. The remaining original band members, guitarist Pete Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey, announced the Song is Over North America Farewell Tour at a press conference on May 8. The tour takes its name — The Song is Over — from a song on the band's seminal 1971 masterpiece Who's Next. Many reviewers have written that this was the band at its creative and performing peak. Live footage from The Who's Next Tour are certainly powerful. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Every musician's dream in the early '60s was to make it big in the U.S. charts,' said Roger Daltrey. 'For The Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. The warmth of the American audiences over the years have been inspirational to me, and reflect the feeling I remember getting after hearing the first rock records coming across the radio. To me, America has always been great.' Guitarist and main songwriter Townshend included Canadian audiences in his comments looking back at the days of hippies when 'music was everywhere.' The musician took a moment to reflect on late band members, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon, noting the following: 'Roger and I still carry the banner for the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle and of course, all of our longtime Who fans,' he said. 'Roger and I am in a good place, despite our age, eager to throw our weight behind this fond farewell to all our faithful fans, and hopefully to new ones who might jump in to see what they have been missing for the last 57 years.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Who went on its 'first farewell tour' in 1982. Music fans know how common it is for Boomer-era bands to announce farewell tours — and then play more. Here are a few things to know about the upcoming tour. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Who The Song is Over 2025 North American Farewell Tour will come to Vancouver on Sept. 23 at Rogers Arena. Where else will The Who play in Canada? The band will play two more dates in Canada, both in Toronto, on Sept. 2 and 7 at the Budweiser Stage. When do tickets go on sale for the Who The Song is Over 2025 North American Farewell Tour? General tickets go on sale on May 16 at 10 a.m. at or Who will be joining The Who on the tour? No opening acts have been announced. Follow the band online for updates. Is there a new album from The Who? Live at the Oval, 1971 capturing the band in all of its maximum rock 'n' roll glory was announced at the farewell tour press conference. The album can be purchased at sderdeyn@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Baseball Vancouver Canucks National News
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘All good things must come to an end': The Who will perform at Fenway Park one last time this summer
The Who, which by the 1970s had become one of the world's biggest touring bands, easily filling the largest U.S. stadiums, will play their first gig in Florida on Aug. 16, with further dates in cities including New York, Toronto, Los Angeles and Vancouver, before a final date in Las Vegas on Sept. 28. 'Every musician's dream in the early '60s was to make it big in the U.S. charts,' Daltrey said. 'For The Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever.' Pete Townshend posed for photographers during the announcement of 'The Who: The Song Is Over, The North American Farewell Tour' on Thursday in London. Scott A Garfitt/Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP Advertisement The band went from performing club shows to headlining the Woodstock festival in the U.S. and becoming one of the biggest box-office draw in the world. The band were inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990. Daltrey, 81, and Townshend, two years his junior, have been one of rock's most prolific double acts, surviving the deaths of drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and bass guitarist John Entwistle in 2002. 'Today, Roger and I still carry the banner for the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle, and, of course, all of our long-time Who fans,' Townshend said. 'I must say that although the road has not always been enjoyable for me, it is usually easy: the best job I could ever have had. I keep coming back.' Advertisement Though Daltrey didn't write songs, he was able to channel Townsend's many and complicated moods — defiance and rage, vulnerability and desperation. Together, they forged some of rock's most defining sounds: the stuttering, sneering delivery of 'My Generation,' the anguished cry of 'They're all wasted!' from 'Baba O'Reilly,' and the all-time scream from 'Won't Get Fooled Again.' Two of their albums 'Tommy' and 'Quadrophenia' were also adapted into successful films in 1975 and 1979, respectively. Pete Townshend (left) and Claire Sturgess during the announcement of 'The Who: The Song Is Over, The North American Farewell Tour' on Thursday in London. Scott A Garfitt/Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP Pre-sales will run from May 13 ahead of the general sale beginning May 16. 'Well, all good things must come to an end. It is a poignant time,' Townshend said. 'For me, playing to American audiences and those in Canada has always been incredible.' Daltrey, who said a throat specialist has told him he should have a 'day off' after every gig he performs, and Townshend also revealed there are no plans at the moment for a farewell tour of the U.K. 'Let's see if we survive this one,' Daltrey said. 'I don't want to say that there won't be (a U.K. farewell tour), but equally I'm not confident in saying there will be.'
