Latest news with #TheZutons
The Courier
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Headliners The Fratellis pull out of Stirlingshire music festival in contract row
Scottish rockers The Fratellis have pulled out of a Stirlingshire music festival in a contract dispute. The Chelsea Dagger stars had been due to headline the Saturday night at the revived Back Doune the Rabbit Hole on the Cardross Estate, near Port of Menteith, this summer. However, both the band and the organisers of the festival have now confirmed they will not appear at the event in August. It is an early setback for the organisers of the festival, which has been revived and rebranded after controversy plagued its predecessor, Doune the Rabbit Hole. A statement on The Fratellis' website said: 'Unfortunately, our planned summer festival appearances at the recent Stone Valley South, and forthcoming Monument, Back Doune the Rabbit Hole and Lindisfarne Festival will not be going ahead. 'This is due to the promoters of each event not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance.' The group will still appear at Slessor Gardens in Dundee as part of Discovery Festival in July. A statement from the Back Doune the Rabbit Hole organisers said: 'We're sorry to confirm that The Fratellis will no longer be performing at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. 'Their appearance was arranged through a third-party promoter. 'Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control, the booking has not been fulfilled. 'Like many of you, we're incredibly disappointed by how this has unfolded. 'We know how much people were looking forward to their set, and we completely understand the frustration. 'We're working hard behind the scenes to secure a brilliant replacement and will be announcing your new Saturday night headliner very soon.' Marc Almond, The Zutons and Newton Faulkner are some of the acts set to perform at the event.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tom Grennan wows Big Weekend crowd with four huge guests including Spice Girl
Pop star Tom Grennan already won over the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend crowd with his impressive vocals, but decided to call upon his famous friends to join him on stage Tom Grennan left fans gobsmacked after bringing out Melanie C, The Zutons, KSI and Ella Henderson at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend. The Bedford-born hitmaker headlined the festival three years after playing the BBC Future Sounds Stage. Thousands of music lovers packed into Sefton Park on Friday to see him perform his biggest hits including Let's Go Home Together, Little Bit Of Love and Lionheart. Tom, 29, was joined by Spice Girls icon Melanie to perform her Number three hit, When You're Gone, originally sang with Bryan Adams. Meanwhile, he sang Valerie (2006) with The Zutons. Just before taking to the stage, Tom made a huge announcement. Over on Instagram, it was announced that Tom had racked up one billion UK streams for his music on songs such as Higher, Let's Go Home Together and Little Bit of Love. Reflecting on his achievements, the Bedford-born legend said: "Morning people, what a beautiful day by the way. I'm heading up to Liverpool, 'cause today's the day, I headline Radio 1's Big Weekend. "Remembering the past eight or nine years and how crazy they have been. But remembering really today, the moment I pressed send on Something In The Water. "Hoping that someone at BBC Introducing would hear it. And now look, eight or nine years later, we're headlining the gaff. I just want to say thank you to everybody who's been on the journey with me from the beginning to now. This is just the start, but tonight is a big one. If you're coming, Liverpool, I'll see you there. Thank you so much for Radio 1 for believing in me from the beginning." Speaking to the Mirror this week, The Zutons' frontman Dave McCabe said of the smash hit, which was covered by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson in 2017: '"It was really good, but I didn't realise at the time, you don't sit there and think 'This is going to be huge', at the time, we'd already had a huge hit with it, we'd sold over 200,000 singles which is a lot. '"But when that [cover] started getting traction and going big, the band kind of started falling apart – and it wasn't because of that. You'd look at that and be like 'God, you've got to write another one of these,' you can't force anything like that. I think it all happened at a cushy moment because we were falling out as a group, and then that went big and it kind of buried us. 'I think being on a major label, the pressure does get to you, you don't realise it." Reflecting on the cover, he said it was "good" but had no idea it would take off so quickly. "I didn't realise, no one did, that she was going to die. When she did, it was kind of immortalised even more. 'I don't even see it, is it our song anymore? It's this other thing now." Amy tragically died just four years after the release of Valerie, aged 27. It was confirmed that the singer who was found unresponsive at her home in Camden, north London, died from alcohol poisoning.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Band started falling apart,' admits The Zutons star after Amy Winehouse cover
EXCLUSIVE: The Zutons had already been long established before Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson covered their hit Valerie, but lead singer Dave McCabe admits this was the start of their downfall The Zutons frontman, Dave McCabe has revealed the band started "falling apart" after Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson's cover of their hit, Valerie. The Liverpool-based band formed in 2002 and went on to achieve chart success following their debut album, Who Killed... The Zutons in 2004. But their second record, Tired of Hanging Around, spawned hits including Why Won't You Give Me Your Love? and the classic track, Valerie, which saw them land two spots inside the official UK Top Ten. But just one year after the release of Valerie, the course of The Zutons changed forever. Legendary DJ, producer and songwriter Mark Ronson teamed up with his pal Amy Winehouse, who was a fan of the track, to re-record a cover version of the song. However, the record almost never took off as Mark was initially hesitant as to whether it would work for Amy. "I loved it," he said. The cover went on to chart at Number Two and spent 19 weeks in the Top 20. Now, in an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Dave has opened up about his reaction to the cover. "It was really good, but I didn't realise at the time, you don't sit there and think 'This is going to be huge', at the time, we'd already had a huge hit with it, we'd sold over 200,000 singles which is a lot. "But when that [cover] started getting traction and going big, the band kind of started falling apart – and it wasn't because of that. You'd look at that and be like 'God, you've got to write another one of these,' you can't force anything like that. I think it all happened at a cushy moment because we were falling out as a group, and then that went big and it kind of buried us. "I think being on a major label, the pressure does get to you, you don't realise it." Reflecting on the cover, he said it was "good" but had no idea it would take off so quickly. "I didn't realise, no one did, that she was going to die. When she did, it was kind of immortalised even more. "I don't even see it, is it our song anymore? It's this other thing now." Amy tragically died just four years after the release of Valerie, aged 27. It was confirmed that the singer who was found unresponsive at her home in Camden, north London, died from alcohol poisoning. Dave recalled walking past pubs and hearing women singing the track on karaoke. "It makes me feel warm and smile, because I wrote that," he proudly explained. He added: "It's just taken a life of it's own and I'm forever grateful. It's an honour that someone discovered it and did a really good job on it. Our version is pretty f***ing good but the fact she took it even further speaks volumes about her talent." Last year, the band released their first studio album, The Big Decider, in 16 years. "We had to do a lot more work," he said of the record, having released it independently away from a major label. He also revealed that the release was very different to previous records as artists now tour the record before its release. "It felt rushed out," he said but adding: "When I look at everyone else in a band doing that, you gig to promote your album, sell it on the spot when the tour finishes and maybe later on in the year, you go on tour. The tours and gigs later on in the year were a bit more rewarding in terms of new music." Despite this, he admits releasing the record and hitting the road was "fun". "It's not just plugging in, playing songs, you have to become this persona or sell yourself, and I find that difficult," he commented. But he admits the release was "stressful" at some points, as those around the band had to work harder. "It's nice to have the power to do what you want," he said of releasing music independently. However, while it was "nice" to have a major label plugging cash into previous albums and marketing campaigns, which he missed, working independently showed a more "realistic ballpark" for the band. The record was produced by none other than Nile Rodgers, Liam Broudie and former drummer Sean Payne and landed at Number Seven on the Official UK Charts, and topped the UK Independent Albums Chart. "There were lots of ups to all of it," Dave said, adding: "I'm glad it happened and I'm glad we're back out there. "I find it's a lot faster now. If you put a song out that isn't the next Valerie, I think it's ok. People listen to your songs as they are. The pressure is off in that sense. The people who come to your gigs are loyal fans because we didn't put anything out for 15 years. I feel lucky and grateful that we get to do these types of things, and we're still functioning as a band." This weekend, the band will perform alongside Richard Ashcroft, who has also released his first single since 2018, Lover, at SMR 25 at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage. "I'm excited to be playing with Richard Ashcroft," Dave gushed. He added: "You just forget how many tunes he's got. The first band I ever went to see was the Smashing Pumpkins in 1993, I went with my mates, I was 11. The first band I saw were The Verve supporting them. "It's taken me 32 years to finally get on the same stage but here I am and it's exciting. They came out in glittery tops with long hair – A Storm in Heaven, that's the album they were playing. I've got fond memories. When he played all his songs at his show, you don't realise, they're all solid. There's a massive nostalgia thing going on." The band haven't performed together for some time and Dave admits he hopes there's nerves amongst them. "It's very rare that there isn't nerves, excitement is good," he said, adding: "Even anxiety can be good before you go on. It's a release when you go on because you're finally doing it. "I think when you're going on and you're yawning, it's never a good sign. Naturally, that's what can happen but it hasn't happened to me for quite a long time. We always come off stage and think, 'Why were we yawning before that?' Nerves are essentially, I think, you've got to use them to your advantage." Dave revealed that nerves provide a different energy for a show. But he admits that artists can find themselves being "selfish" due to crowds watching them rather than heading to the bar. Joining the line-up are the likes of Sigala, Bob Vylan and The Futureheads. SMR 25 kicks off today at The Lamex Stadium, Stevenage at 3pm and continues through til Sunday. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and See Tickets.
Glasgow Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I saw Anastacia live at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall
There is no mistaking the incredible voice of Anastacia. The US singer was a complete powerhouse as she hit the high notes at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall on Friday night. Coming through a door on stage, the petite star oozed with confidence as she belted out One Day in Your Life. READ NEXT: I saw Gabrielle in Glasgow and this 90s singer kicked off the show - my verdict READ NEXT: I saw The Zutons at the Barrowlands in Glasgow - my verdict READ NEXT: I saw Snow Patrol at the Hydro in Glasgow - my verdict (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) Now or Never and Staring at the Sun followed, with the 56-year-old impressing with her pipes from the get-go. Her vocals are soulful, sultry, and rocky all at once—it's a joy to hear. Beaming from ear to ear, she said: 'Well, what's going on Glasgow? 'Oh my gosh. You are all so delicious.' Taking in the reaction of the crowd, who were going wild for the Chicago native, she laughed: 'You're up for it?' (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) Paid My Dues, then delighted the city audience before the singer admitted she had been loving Scottish delicacies. Revealing she had a fried Mars Bar, she told her fans: 'I'm kinda addicted to the fact you guys like to fry a lot of s**t here. 'Do we have to leave here tonight?' And the resounding wish from the crowd was no - they were wanting to soak in every minute of the star who was in the city celebrating 25 years since the release of her debut Not That Kind. (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) (Image: Anastacia live in Glasgow at the Royal Concert Hall April 25, 2025. Calum Buchan picture.) You'll Never Be Alone followed, showing off the prowess of her voice. She could easily slot into a hall of vocal fame occupied by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, or Mariah Carey, she's that good. She proved this on a cover of the Guns N' Roses smash hit Sweet Child O' Mine, she sounded sensational. While Outside Alone, Not That Kind, and the song that made Anastacia a global phenomenon, I'm Outta Love rounded off a spectacular show.
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Zutons: 'Amy Winehouse gave Valerie a life of its own'
When The Zutons were asked to take part in the 25th anniversary celebrations of BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, they knew there was only one artist they could live sessions have been a much-loved part of the station's output for years, but it was Amy Winehouse's performance of the Liverpool band's song Valerie in 2007 that was voted the best ever by its so it was Winehouse's iconic track Back To Black, along with a live version of Valerie, that the band played in their own session at the end of 2024.A couple of months on, saxophonist Abi Harding, who took vocal duties on the cover, said it had been a nerve-wracking experience, but one she had ultimately enjoyed. "We thought 'let's not try and be like Amy Winehouse because you can't, there's only one Amy Winehouse'," she said they considered a number of Winehouse's songs to cover, including her personal favourite, Love Is A Losing Game, but Back To Black was "the most one suited to a band"."We thought we could do it and make it our own like the way she did with Valerie.""It was more fitting for me to sing it than Dave [McCabe, the band's lead singer] and I'd been dying to sing a song... [but] I was so nervous to be compared to her."I'm never going to be her, she's an amazing artist."She said she was glad to have done the song justice and believed that was partially down to its subject matter."Everyone, myself included, has been through heartbreak or times when you feel the worst," she said."I'm older now, so that's happened quite a few times, so you can go to that place."But it's nice to hear that [people think] it's still full of emotion and they get that from it." Such has been the response to the track, that the band subsequently released it as a single in December, mirroring what Winehouse, who died in 2011, did with Valerie 17 years song started off as an idea formed by McCabe's head while he was travelling in a taxi to his mum's house, and was released as a single by The Zutons in peaked at number nine in the UK charts and piqued the interest of Winehouse, who recorded a slowed version with producer Mark Ronson for the deluxe edition of her album Back To Black in said the story was that Ronson wanted the people he was working with for his own album to do a modern cover."She said: 'I don't like any modern music, I only listen to old music'."He went: 'You've come in every day singing that Valerie song by The Zutons, why don't you do that?'"So the fact she liked the song, I was super flattered, but doing it on the Live Lounge and it becoming a big hit is another thing again."I just loved her so much... it was such a joy to hear her sing it and make it her own." Ronson released the upbeat version featuring Winehouse's vocals in October 2007 and it went on to reach number two on the UK charts. Harding said that had led the song to having "a life of its own"."It's neither ours or hers, or anyone's... it's just everyone's." The Zutons' own appearance on the Live Lounge coincided with a career resurgence. Having split in 2009, they came back together in 2016 and were on the rise again with a tour celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album, Who Killed... The Zutons?, in 2019 when Covid-19 curtailed their activities. Harding said in some ways, the subsequent lockdowns were actually beneficial."It might have been a bit of a blessing in disguise," she said."We were writing [the next album] and were ready to go, but then the lockdowns happened."[That meant] we did hone the songs a little bit more." Produced by guitar legend Nile Rodgers and Scouse music royalty Ian Broudie, The Big Decider was released last April and reached number seven in the UK said it also had an impact on their appearance at The Other Stage on the festival's last day, she said they were not sure there would be a crowd."I said to Dave before coming on stage, 'be ready for there to be no-one there."But by the end, it was chocker."To everyone who got up at that time on a Sunday, thanks."She said the band were now working on their fifth album but were concentrating on their upcoming live dates for now. "We've got a bunch of festivals booked."Hopefully, more will come in, because they tend to come in in dribs and drabs over the first few months of the year."But the April tour, that's the next thing coming up if you want to come and see us."The Zutons are on tour in the UK from 27 March to 12 April. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
