Latest news with #TheBlessedMadonna


Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
DJ The Blessed Madonna pulls out of Boardmasters festival after censorship claims
The DJ pulled out of Boardmasters Festival due to the organisation reportedly stopping acts from making any political statements Famous DJ The Blessed Madonna revealed they pulled out of Boardmasters Festival due to the organisation reportedly stopping acts from making any political statements. A few acts, including The Menstrual Cramps, DJ and producer Conducta, and surf brand Yonder, already boycotted the festival following claims the festival's proprietors have ties to Israel. The American DJ, real name Marea Renee Stamper, took to her Instagram page to share that her team received a notice from the festival at 4 in the morning saying she would be 'subject to a show-stop procedural agreement related to certain political messaging and would be required to to keep political or symbolic elements of my set within the guidances of the festival and government prior to the show.' In the caption, she wrote: "Any political statements, chants, or gestures will be observed, but the show will only be stopped if there is a legal or safety breach. To be clear I was told, not asked, while on my way to a long confirmed show these restrictions: 'Prior to your performance you will be asked to sign a Show Stop Procedure Acknowledgement, confirming your understanding of these boundaries.' "'This documentation will be used as evidence if the festival or your performance is called into review.'" It comes after furious Bob Geldof issued a desperate plea on Sky News to save babies in Gaza. The DJ continued: "In this email, they framed Palestine Action, an activist group banned in the UK, as equal to murderous terrorists and amongst banned symbols of hate on the same day as Netanyahu has sworn to completely ethnically cleanse Gaza city," before revealing they would no longer perform at the festival. She explained: "So, it is with deep regret, but moral clarity that I announce I will not be attending or playing Boardmasters festival tonight. This is not the fault of the working class people who run this festival. "All around the world, people of good conscience are contending with this atrocity as best they can. If you are working for peace, then I know that I have locked arms with you and we are running towards the right side of history together. "So, if you bought a ticket to Boardmasters to see my set tonight, please feel free to DM me a picture of you holding your ticket and I will make this right with you—with guest list somewhere, or a T-shirt, or something else very special because this is not your fault and I care about your happiness." Concluding her heartfelt post, she added: "There nothing more that I want to do more than dance with you. Music is the perfect expression of the will of the world. It is through music that I bettered myself and fixed my heart in a million broken places.I listened to my heart to make this decision and it said: I ain't signing s**t. Free Palestine." She said the same thing in the video, adding that she 'stands in defence of free speech' and 'dignity of anyone working to stop the explicitly stated genocidal actions being committed in Palestine by the Israeli occupation'. The Blessed Madonna received praise in the comment section, with many "applauding your integrity and moral standing". Boardmasters confirmed she pulled out of the festival and said: "We can confirm that The Blessed Madonna will no longer be performing at Boardmasters this year. We fully respect and support, without judgement, her decision and hope to welcome her back in the future." In a statement, they said: "It is standard process to ensure artists understand the safety and show stop procedures we have in place to protect our audience. Our pre-event guidance to artists makes it clear that we respect their right to express their views at Boardmasters and we categorically do not prevent political speech or censor artists. Alongside this, we include information on legally proscribed flags and emblems to ensure performers are fully informed of current UK law." It comes after Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel "intends to" take full control of Gaza. The PM warned this action "will do nothing" to end the war or secure the release of Hamas hostages. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Netanyahu of plotting "ethnic cleansing" and called on Mr Starmer to hit Israel with sanctions.


Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Everything you need to know ahead of Dublin Pride 2025
With the theme 'Taking Liberties', this year's festival invites everyone to reflect on progress, celebrate diversity, and continue the push for equality. Here's your essential guide to the parade, parties, and how to get involved. When is Dublin Pride 2025? Pride Month runs throughout June, but Saturday, June 28, 2025 is the big day in Dublin, with the Pride Parade kicking off at 12.30pm on O'Connell Street and making its way to Merrion Square. Dublin's Pride Festival itself spans from 20–28 June, with events citywide leading up to the parade. When is the Dublin Pride Parade? How do I get involved? The parade is free and open to all — no need to register if you're marching as an individual or with friends. Just find a good spot along the route, cheer on the floats, or join the march once groups have moved onto the quays. Assembly times (if you're marching with a group): - Pink section (Parade lead & accessibility support) – Assemble by 12.00pm - Red section (Support & advocacy groups) – Assemble by 12.10pm - Orange section (Sports & social groups) – Assemble by 12.20pm - Yellow section (Public service groups) – Assemble by 12.30pm -Green, Blue & Purple sections (Pride partners & ally groups) – From 12.40pm onwards See the full map and assembly info at Will the parade be accessible to all? Dublin Pride is committed to being as inclusive and accessible as possible. Supports include: - Accessible viewing areas on O'Connell Street - A quiet zone at Custom House - Accessible buses and a dedicated support team If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact community@ ahead of the event. This year, Aspire Ireland is creating a supportive space in the Red Section for autistic, neurodivergent, disabled, and other individuals who might need extra support. What official events and parties are taking place for Pride? Mother Pride Block Party at Collins Barracks featuring The Blessed Madonna, Trixie Mattel and Samantha Mumba Official Pride After Party taking place on Lost Lane and The Button Factory (DJs including Rocky T. Delgado, DJ Glamo, Claire Beck) Babylon at The Grand Social A queer club night with an all-FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, agender) DJ line-up What is the theme this year? Dublin's 2025 theme is 'Taking Liberties', celebrating 10 years of marriage equality and gender recognition, while highlighting the ongoing work for full equality.


Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Kylie Minogue looks ethereal in pale pink gown as she raises a glass to celebrate her 57th birthday and the fifth anniversary of her wine brand at private members club in London
Kylie Minogue pulled out all the stops on Wednesday night to celebrate both her birthday and a major milestone for her wine brand at a London private members club. The Princess of Pop looked as thought she hadn't aged a day from when she first shot to fame in Neighbours in 1986, as she rang in her 57th birthday and marked the fifth anniversary of her business, Kylie Minogue Wines. To commemorate the special occasion, Kylie unveiled a limited-edition Côtes de Provence rosé bottle, crafted especially for the anniversary. Coordinating her outfit to match the rosé, the singer cut a radiant figure in a floaty pale pink gown adorned with an organza flower and sparkling piping at the neckline. And Kylie didn't resist letting her hair down as she celebrated two momentous occasions, taking to the dance floor to show off her moves. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. While she capped off the celebrations by joining friend and collaborator, The Blessed Madonna, in the DJ booth. Kylie took to the mike, to perform a surprise rendition of their hit, Edge of Saturday Night and remix, Can't Get Blue Monday out of My Head', for the lucky guests. The Spinning Around hitmaker launched Kylie Minogue Wines in 2020 on her 52nd birthday, with the brand having now sold over 20 million bottles globally. She first released a southern French rosé made from a blend of 80 per cent Carignan and 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon from the southern French coast. The salmon pink Vin de France rosé was kept on its lees for three months in stainless steel for added complexity. In an exclusive interview with The Drinks Business, Kylie revealed that drinking Provence rosé during sweltering nights in Nashville while recording her 14th album, Golden, is what inspired her to want to make her own. She told the publication: 'It was exceptionally hot and humid that summer, and it was an exciting time, being in Nashville and writing songs with no distractions.' 'While dining outdoors one night, my manager Polly and I were drinking Whispering Angel to cool down from the heat, which got me thinking how great it would be to have my own rosé.' 'I love pale pink rosés and all the associations of the Mediterranean that go with them.' Keen to be involved in all stages of the production process, Kylie chose the wine's long-necked, bell-shaped bottle finished with a pearlescent capsule. She also designed the label featuring her name repeated in relief and her signature in black in the centre. The Padam Padam chart-topper later launched a lees-aged Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony and a Pays d'Oc Merlot. While in November, a drinks industry source revealed that her prosecco had become hugely successful, saying: 'The prosecco has been a massive seller for Kylie. 'It is a good quality product - just as you'd expect from someone like Kylie – and it is very drinkable.' 'She wouldn't have put her name to an inferior product and she's reaping the rewards of a successful brand.' Showing her packed and busy schedule, Kylie's night of celebrations came just a day after she took to the stage for the first of four nights at London's O2 for her Tension Tour on Tuesday. Showing her packed and busy schedule, Kylie's night of celebrations came just a day after she took to the stage for the first of four nights at London's O2 for her Tension Tour on Tuesday (seen) The singer ensured all eyes were on her as she entertained her legions of fans in a skintight blue latex jumpsuit with matching gloves and ankle boots. Speaking to The Sun after the performance ended, the Australian star told how her Tension Tour almost didn't happen. She said: 'It's been a lot of work and we almost didn't get there, but it's great.' Asked if she watches her performances back, Kylie added: 'I don't watch it on YouTube, but I do see it on socials and that way, sometimes with a phone, the angle is weird or the colours are off, but it gives you another perspective.' On her love of performing, she said: 'My love for doing this only grows and grows. Thank you for understanding and being there for me on my journey. For me, it began in a mystical time known as the Eighties.' Kylie's Tension Tour is split into five acts with the star kicking things off with her 2024 single Lights Camera Action before going into other hits like In Your Eyes, Get Outta My Way and Spinning Around. Later in the show, Kylie performed some of her earlier hits including Better The Devil You Know and The Locomotion. The final act features some of her most-loved hits including Padam Padam, Can't Get You Outta My Head and All The Lovers before an encore featuring Tension and Love At First Sight. The star is the highest-selling Australian female artist of all time and the third best-selling in the UK, but has only now begun to make a name for herself in the US following the success of her viral 2023 hit Padam Padam.


BBC News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Radio 1: Charli XCX, The Blessed Madonna and Confidence Man among the winners at Radio 1's Dance Awards 2025
Radio 1's Danny Howard, Sarah Story and Pete Tong have revealed the winners of Radio 1's Dance Awards 2025 with artists such as Charli XCX, The Blessed Madonna and Confidence Man all picking up accolades for their contribution to the genre. The annual awards celebrate the past year in Dance music, recognising its biggest moments with winners selected by a panel of Radio 1 Dance DJs and producers. Radio 1 also gave listeners a chance to have their say with four categories chosen by public vote. Danny Howard says: 'The Radio 1 Dance Awards are more than just a celebration, they're a reflection of the incredible talent, passion, and innovation driving Dance music forward. This is our chance to champion the DJs, producers and records that have shaped the sound of the past year across the Dance shows while also shining a light on the future. 'It's an honour to bring this night to life alongside Pete, Sarah and the whole Radio 1 Dance family and I can't wait to share it with you, LIVE on Friday. You don't want to miss it!' Radio 1 Dance Awards 2025 winners Dance Album Project Charli XCX - BRAT Best Dance Track Move - Adam Port, Keinemusik, Stryv, Orso ft. Malachiii Best Breakthrough Artist Confidence Man Outstanding Contribution to Dance Music The Blessed Madonna Essential Mix of the Year Sammy Virji Best Record Label (public vote) Defected Records Best UK Clubbing Event (public vote) Chase & Status at Milton Keynes National Bowl Dance Vocalist Jazzy Best Venue UK & Europe (public vote) Gonzo's Two Room, Norwich Best Dance Festival UK & Europe (public vote) Boomtown Dance Impact Award Save Our Scene UK The awards were broadcast tonight on Radio 1, where Danny Howard was joined by Sarah Story, Pete Tong, and a host of special guests. Listen now on BBC Sounds FM2/GD2