Latest news with #TheWonderStuff
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Artist begins transforming town centre buildings into musical murals
IT WAS after several conversations with members of some of Stourbridge's iconic musical exports that one artist birthed a creative idea to put the town back at the forefront of the country's artistic scene. Cal, a Stourbridge-based artist who has been active for over two decades, has begun a project painting murals of the logos of several bands born out of the town on buildings for all to see. The first completed work, an ode to rockers Pop Will Eat Itself, now adorns the side of the Direct2Print building on Foster Street, with the second mural of alt-rock band, The Wonder Stuff, almost ready to be unveiled just off the ring road on the side of The Bridge House. 'The Poppies' painting can be enjoyed by more than just Stourbridge locals, with an image of the mural already hanging in the prestigious V&A museum in London. An image of the Poppies mural is hanging in the V&A in London (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) Cal said it is important the town celebrates its rich musical heritage and it was about time Stourbridge 'made some noise' about itself. He said: 'We're known all over the UK for our music – I went to Tenby not that long ago and spoke to a woman who instantly knew Stourbridge for its bands. 'We're bigger than we think we are, and I don't want Stourbridge to be just another clone town with no identity. 'We should be celebrating our music and the arts and trying to promote creativity more.' Five bands will be featured in Cal's project: Pop Will Eat Itself, The Wonder Stuff, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Diamond Head and, hopefully, an ode to a certain local, Robert Plant. The artist, who goes only by his first name, said the next mural on his to-do list is for Ned's Atomic Dustbin, with the band encouraging him to 'go big or go home' with the design. Cal, who is doing the work voluntarily, thanked the local businesses who have made his project possible, and the people of Stourbridge for their warm reception to his work. He said: 'Without Archava Scaffolding, I would not have been able to get up the buildings, and none of this would be possible. The Wonder Stuff mural is almost complete (Image: Olivia Warburton / NQ) 'Also the businesses, so far Dirct2Print and Bridge House, who have been up for me using their walls, and Brierley Printers and the John Porter Community Fund, who have been a massive help. 'It's been a community effort, and so far, everyone has been brilliant about the work. 'Of course, it's thanks to the bands as well – these guys are still selling out tours and bringing out new music and deserve to be celebrated.' Timed rather perfectly, the Poppies mural in particular coincides with the band's 40th anniversary and marks the release of their new single, 'Bruiser', which was released yesterday (May 27).
South Wales Argus
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Goldie Lookin' Chain to headline Shrewsbury Loopfest
The band, known for their unique style and humour, will be the main attraction at Loopfest in Shrewsbury. The festival will take place over three days, from May 2 to May 4, and is expected to draw large crowds. Loopfest, which boasts nearly 300 acts across 40 venues in the town, is one of the UK's biggest festivals. It is bucking the trend of venue closures and festival cancellations that have plagued the UK music scene in recent years. The festival is the brainchild of musician and promoter Jamie Smith and David Gregg, who runs the Albert's Shed group of music venues. Their aim was to "supercharge the engine of grassroots music and give a unique platform for artists," according to Mr Smith. "And it's working," he added. "We've done that with the Albert's Shed venues by working alongside artists, but we created Loopfest to bring people to the town to see a whole host of incredible artists in one place at one time. "The festival is helping to turn the tide against the difficulties faced by grassroots artists and venues and increase people's awareness of new music in the area." Goldie Lookin' Chain will take to the main stage at Shrewsbury Castle on Friday, May 2. The festival will also feature internationally renowned artists such as Miles Hunt from The Wonder Stuff and producer Mandidextrous. Emerging artists like The Cheap Thrills from Liverpool, Girlband! from Nottingham, and Shropshire bands Adult Play and Boom Boom Womb will also perform. Loopfest has proven to be a major success, with last year's event seeing a 36 per cent increase in visitors to Shrewsbury town centre compared to the previous year. This success comes at a time when the British music industry is facing significant challenges. Figures released in February showed that for the first time in more than two decades, British stars failed to make it into the worldwide annual chart of 2024's bestselling singles or albums. Despite this, Loopfest continues to thrive, providing a much-needed boost to the grassroots music scene. The festival has received £40,000 in funding from Arts Council England to support the project and create a lasting legacy. This funding is being reinvested to support musicians and foster a love of culture from an early age. John Rostron, CEO of The Association of Independent Festivals, praised Loopfest as a "brilliant celebration of live music, creativity, and community spirit." He said: "We champion the innovation, dedication and hard work that goes into these types of multi-venue urban festivals, and we're thrilled to see such a diverse and exciting line up being brought to music lovers in Shropshire and the surrounding area. "Grassroot music venues have never needed public support more, so we hope that people will get out and support this fantastic event." For more information about the full line-up, the weekend's wristband ticketed events, as well those that are free-to-attend, visit the Loopfest website.
