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Spectator
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Kneecap are not rebels
Better rebels than Kneecap would've begun their headline set at Wide Awake festival in south London on Friday night with a show of defiance against the British state, a swipe at the occupier in its fortress capital. Perhaps they would've unfurled a great big yellow Hezbollah banner. As it was, Kneecap flashed the message 'FREE PALESTINE' on a screen, showed a montage of criticism the band had received from Sharon Osborne and some Fox News pundits and the shadow home secretary Chris Philp, and walked on stage to 'It's been ages,' one of their less popular songs. The moment demanded more. Kneecap had done a small set at the 100 Club on Oxford Street on Thursday evening, but Wide Awake was their first real show since one of the group's members, Mo Chara, was charged on Wednesday with terrorism offences by the Metropolitan Police.
Edinburgh Live
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Breakfast viewers left questioning 'what's going on' after Lulu's appearance
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info BBC Breakfast viewers were distracted by Lulu's cameo on the programme, where she came to talk about her new tell-all book. Despite her usually private nature, Lulu opened up about unexplored topics in her book. As soon as her chat with presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty kicked off, viewers flocked to social media to voice their bewilderment at her accent and laud her seemingly age-defying looks. Twitter buzzed with viewers questioning her accent, with one posting, "What's going on with Lulu's accent? #bbcbreakfast," while someone else echoed the confusion asking, "Is that Lulu's real accent?". Amidst speculations on her age, tweets emerged like "How is Lulu only 76? She's been around forever!" and another adding to the chatter, "Oh, is Lulu 76? #bbcbreakfast." (Image: (Image: BBC)) (Image: (Image: BBC)) Comparisons to Sharon Osborne surfaced with a viewer remarking, "Lulu looks like Sharon Osborne #BBCBreakfast," whilst others complimented her enduring talent: "Lulu still belting out tunes and sounding like Elton John, it's no wonder she's written a book," noted the Express, reports Bristol Live. Highlighting a moment of reflection, Lulu disclosed her surprise at the illustrious people she's met, prompted by Charlie's comments, leading her to say, "That is why I have finally written the book." She further divulged, "The book is full of things that I've never talked about before. I am a pretty private person. I can be chatty, I can engage, but there are certain things that I've kept to myself. "In my mother's era, my era, you didn't talk about things the way they do today, the trials and the difficult times in your life. So I'm talking about everything. "You're talking about mental health," Naga interjected as Lulu elaborated: "That's the thing that's become very clear, and I started my own mental health trust because of it, because of the book. "I realised myself, I've had so many challenges that I've never discussed, that I've dealt with, that I've learned about, and my family and people close to me. I mean, who doesn't?". "And today, what's really healthy... some people overshare, but if you can relate to something that's happened to you and you found a way to get through a difficult time. And I also think that today, it's so crazy to me that so many kids want to be famous, and I think you have no idea what that entails, you know, and it's quite hard, and a lot of my peers couldn't handle it because it was difficult, and they became addicts." She added: "Drugs were involved, or they just backed off because they couldn't deal with it." Charlie then asked what set Lulu apart and how she managed the challenging periods in her career. She voiced her thoughts: "I don't think I'm different at all. I think I have had help, and I think I now, I'm very positive, I'm very curious. I've read every self-help book. I have a very strong spiritual path. I have a guru. I've had a spiritual master for 40-odd years, so I've done a lot of things to help myself, and because I've lasted this long, who knew I would be here? I mean, 76. Well, I thought I might be gone."
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
SPFL bosses give Challenge Cup biggest redesign yet with new name, Uefa style league phase and 15-year-olds set to play
The competition has been given a facelift - again ALL CHANGE SPFL bosses give Challenge Cup biggest redesign yet with new name, Uefa style league phase and 15-year-olds set to play IT'S had more facelifts than Sharon Osborne and Simon Cowell put together. And now the SPFL have announced the latest cosmetic redesign to the Challenge Cup which they think will give it the X Factor. 2 The new branding for the trophy 2 The rule makers at Hampden have made a major change to the competition Credit: SNS League bosses say that as of 2025-26 the competition last known as the SPFL Trust trophy will now be sponsored by the KDM Group and go by the KDM Evolution Trophy. They say they've announced a multi-year deal with the Scottish-born construction firm and have thanked them for bankrolling a record-breaking prize pot totalling an estimated £1.25m in prize money - a rise of more than 50% on last year's competition. Next season's winners will receive £150,000, plus a new - as yet to be unveiled - trophy. And there's also set to be MAJOR competition format changes - which were confirmed earlier in the year alongside a new Scottish FA co-operation system apparently designed to help youth development in the Scottish game. They say that TEN Scottish Premiership B teams will enter a new 'Uefa-style' league phase - although what happens to the other two teams isn't entirely clear. They also say that youth prospects aged jst 15 will now be eligible to participate in the competition. In total, the first round league phase will comprise 10 William Hill League 1 clubs, 10 William Hill League 2 clubs, and 10 William Hill Premiership B-teams. The B teams will play all their matches in the league phase away from home, in a move the SPFL say is designed to reduce travel costs, with trialists permitted to play in these matches. Clubs participating at this phase will be split into three pots by division and regionalised into North and South sections, but will feed into a single league table with with the top 22 clubs qualifying. The ten William Hill Championship clubs will then enter the competition as seeds - with the remainder of the competition following a traditional knockout format. Hamilton Accies Players Walk Out Over Unpaid Wages SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: 'We are really pleased to welcome KDM Group as the title sponsor for the KDM Evolution Trophy from season 2025/26, and to announce a significant rise in prize money for next season's competition. 'KDM Group is a highly-respected and well-established firm in Scotland, the UK and beyond, and have already demonstrated a passion for Scottish football. "They have a proud history of supporting our national sport and this long-term deal is really positive news for all 42 member clubs. 'We're confident the new competition format will help develop some of our most promising players across the country. Allowing players to compete at a high level from the age of 15 will pay dividends for them, for their clubs and ultimately, for the national side.' Doncaster added: 'We've had long discussions with our member clubs and the Scottish FA about this new competition format and we've also introduced some key principles to reduce travel time and costs, particularly for William Hill League 1 and 2 clubs. 'We would lastly like to thank the SPFL Trust and the donors who support them, who have been fantastic supporters of this competition for the last four seasons.' The Lowdown: the KDM Evolution Trophy The full schedule of prize monies for the KDM Evolution Trophy is set out below: Winner - £150,000 Runner up - £100,000 Losing semi-finalists - £75,000 Losing quarter-finalists - £50,000 Round of 16 losers - £40,000 Round of 32 losers - £30,000 1st round (league phase)losers - £15,000-18,500(depending on final league position) A summary of key competition dates is set out below: League Phase MD1: 12/13 August 2025 League Phase MD2: 26/27 August 2025 League Phase MD3: 6/7 September 2025 League Phase MD4: 23/24 September 2025 League Phase MD5: 11/12 October 2025 League Phase MD6: 11 November 2025 Round of 32: 9/10 December 2025 Round of 16: 6/7 January 2026 Quarter Final: 27/28 January 2026 Semi Final: 24/25 February 2026 Final: 28/29 March 2026 / 4/5 April 2026
Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Outrage about Kneecap's support for Gaza is a distraction
Irish rap trio Kneecap have been at the centre of controversy since their now infamous Coachella set, their statements on Israel and Palestine fuelling a voracious backlash from public figures and political leaders. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the hip-hop artists to be prosecuted. UK intelligence is investigating the group for alleged support of terrorist movements for a video dredged up from 2023 in which they allegedly say "the only good Tory is a dead Tory". Sharon Osborne, a vocal supporter of Israel, has called for the artists' US visas to be revoked. They have been dropped from festivals in Germany, and the band's US booking agent has cut ties. The band say they have received death threats. Meanwhile, innocent civilians are being murdered in the rubble that was once Gaza; children are being starved, tortured, and killed. The UN's secretary-general António Gutierres has described Gaza as "a killing field, and civilians are in an endless death loop". In the words of President Michael D Higgins, who called out world leaders following the pope's funeral: "How can any of them stay silent?" Kneecap performing at the SSE Arena in Belfast in December: Even before there was any suggestion of the band supporting any prohibited organisation, it was clear any vocalisation of concerns about Israeli actions would be treated as antisemitic We are witnessing the first livestreamed genocide in real time. If you are outraged by a band making a statement, while remaining silent on the war crimes being inflicted upon the Palestinian people, you need to evaluate your morals. Art being provocative is hardly controversial — it is meant to provoke and challenge us. Music has long been a vehicle for highlighting strong opinions regarding injustice, oppression, and war. Sinead O'Connor faced fierce backlash in 1992 when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II, saying, "Fight the real enemy." Her music was banned by several radio stations, and she was eviscerated by the Catholic Church. Her career never recovered in the US. Bob Dylan was accused of being anti-American for his songs 'Masters of War', and the 'Times They Are A-Changin', which became rallying cries for the anti-war movement at a time young American men were being shipped off to Vietnam in their thousands. Neil Young faced backlash for criticising the Nixon administration in the song 'Ohio', which was banned by several radio stations. Green Day's entire American Idiot album and tour was a criticism of George Bush, while the Dixie Chicks found themselves completely cancelled for speaking out against George W's Iraq war. Whether it's Rage Against the Machine, the Sex Pistols, Madonna, or Kneecap, music and politics go hand in hand. And for as long as artists have used their platform to challenge the establishment, conservatives have been on hand to condemn them, from jazz in the 1930s to Elvis. As a peace activist, I am far less concerned by the artistic expression of music artists than I am by the human suffering being endured by the people of Palestine. More than 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza. Of those, nearly 70% are women and children. Some 166 journalists and media workers and over 200 humanitarian aid workers have also been killed. Israel has dropped over 100,000 tonnes of explosives on a civilian population, destroying 88% of Gaza's infrastructure. This is not a war — it is an annihilation. Peace is not achieved through more violence. In the decades to come, what is unfolding in Gaza will be accepted as a genocide, with war crimes having been not only tolerated by the international community, but facilitated by the many Western governments arming Israel. Just like the genocide in Rwanda, it will be too late. Kneecap at City Hall, Cork City on February 12 last: They have been nothing if not consistent, using every live show as an opportunity to support the people of Palestine. Picture: Larry Cummins The greatest insult to the memory of the millions murdered in the Holocaust is to twist their suffering into an excuse to launch a genocide against the Palestinian people. It is grotesque that criticism of the actions of the Israeli state is being framed as anti-semitism. The freedom to criticise a government is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and this guarantee of free speech extends to artists and musicians too. Free speech does not give licence to express support for terrorist groups. Kneecap is under investigation for allegedly shouting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a live show. It remains to be seen whether this is true or not. But even before there was any suggestion of the band supporting any prohibited organisation, it was clear any vocalisation of concerns about Israeli actions would be treated as anti-semitic, with far-reaching ramifications for their commercial prospects in the US and UK. The British intelligence agencies' fervour when investigating Kneecap for words, while seemingly ignoring Israeli war crimes, is part of the larger problem here — Israel is acting with impunity. The furore over whether Kneecap did say "up Hamas" is one great distraction campaign, aimed at providing further cover for actual human suffering. We must ask ourselves, what is more important here? Video footage has emerged of children being ripped in half by Israeli weapons; 15 ambulance crew members were assassinated and buried in a mass grave. Kneecap's political beliefs, controversial or not, should pale by comparison. Kneecap have been nothing if not consistent, using every live show as an opportunity to support the people of Palestine. The fallout, however, will no doubt continue as efforts to silence those highlighting the actions of the Israeli government intensify. Netanyahu and his extremist government have been emboldened by the cover so-graciously provided by other countries to shield their abominable actions. It is difficult to articulate how obscene it is to witness such a fixation on the thoughts of artists in the face of such horrors at the hands of the fourth strongest military in the world. In the words of Kneecap themselves, "statements aren't aggressive, murdering 20,000 children is though."
Extra.ie
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Sharon Osbourne calls on Kneecap's US work visas to be revoked
Sharon Osborne has called on the revoking of Irish band Kneecap's US work visas after she claimed the band 'openly support terrorist organisations.' The trio made headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the Coachella festival in Palm Springs, California. Kneecap's first appearance of the festival last weekend saw the live-stream cut out after an anti-Margaret Thatcher chant began. Kneecap headlines in recent weeks following their gigs at the two weeks of Coachella festival in Palm Springs, California. Pic:for Coachella Taking to the stage for a second weekend, screens surrounded the band projecting references to genocide, denunciations of Israel and calls to 'Free Palestine.' They also condemned the US military for aiding Israel. The production has been met with much negativity with former X Factor judge and talent manager Sharon taking to Instagram hitting out at the Belfast three-piece. The 72-year-old hit out at Coachella for 'compromising its moral and spiritual integrity' by allowing artists to use the stage as a platform for political expression. She added that the Irish rap group 'took their performance to a different level' by their incorporation of 'aggressive political statements.' 'Their actions included projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech, and this band openly support terrorist organisations,' Sharon wrote, 'This behavior raises concerns about the appropriateness of their participation in such a festival and further shows they are booked to play in the USA.' Osbourne went on to hit out at festival organisers Goldenvoice, who allege they were 'unaware' of the band's political intentions. 'After witnessing their performance during the first weekend, allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support of their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence,' she slammed. Sharon Osborne has called on the revoking of Irish band Kneecap's US work visas after she claimed the band 'openly support terrorist organisations.' Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock The mother-of-three said it was 'disheartening' that the Independent Artists Group, who represent Kneecap, haven't prevented the promotion of 'such controversial messages.' Sharon concluded: 'As someone with both Irish Catholic on my Mothers side and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage on my Fathers side, and extensive experience in the music industry, I understand the complexities involved. 'I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneeecap's work visa.' The post was met with a huge reaction with many hitting out at the former talent manager and leaving comments of 'Free Palestine.' One said: 'This is not about Hamas, Sharon. It's about innocent lives!!!' Another added: 'Oh Sharon, how disappointing. Free Palestine.' A third commented: 'Thank you, Sharon. Where do we sign up?'
