Latest news with #UpTheJunction
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Grammy-nominated musician Chris Difford coming to Rhyl
The celebrated musician and songwriter is bringing his 'A Little Stand-Up And A Little Sit-Down' tour to Queen's Market. Fans can expect a mix of comedy and music from the Grammy-nominated and Ivor Novello Award-winning artist. The show is scheduled to start at 8pm on Wednesday, October 15. Difford, who has been a prominent figure in the music industry for more than 40 years, is known for co-writing some of the most popular songs of our time. Hits like 'Up The Junction', 'Cool For Cats', 'Labelled With Love', and 'Tempted' are a few from his repertoire. Beyond his music career, Difford is also recognised for his contributions to the industry through his songwriting retreats. For more than three decades, he has been hosting these retreats in various locations, including prisons, rehab centres, predominantly in Somerset. His autobiography, 'Some Fantastic Place', released in 2017, offers insights into his life, including his journey to recovery while touring with Squeeze. The book continues to be part of his solo touring story and became the focus of his sell out two week run at the Edinburgh Festival. In addition to his music and writing, Difford is an ambassador for Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter, two charities he is passionate about. He also works with Broadway Lodge, a rehab in the West Country, where he often performs for recovering individuals. READ MORE: BBC confirms release date for Ozzy Osbourne documentary - what we know More summer shows are on the cards with the band as well as a touring dates with his friend Jools Holland. Tickets for the Rhyl show are priced at £27.80, including booking fees, and are available on Eventbrite. Visit for more information, or to book tickets.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Jools Holland set for a Sligo return in June 2026
Jools and his band will be playing their signature blend of R'n'B, Rock and Roll and Jazz, featuring Roachford on vocals as well as regular guests Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka. This special all-seated Knocknarea Arena ATU Sligo concert takes place outside of Sligo Live's usual festival period, on Saturday 6th June 2026. Tickets are €67.50 + €3 s.c. At the age of 15, Jools Holland was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford he joined Squeeze, followed by Gilson Lavis shortly afterwards. Gilson, (who still drums with Jools), had already played with, among others, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and Max Wall. Up The Junction and Cool For Cats gave Squeeze meteoric success and their popularity rapidly extended to America, where their tour included performances at New York's Madison Square Garden. In 1987, Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band – comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 19-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and three trombones. Jools' career as a television presenter has run parallel to his musical career. Between 1988 and 1990, Jools performed in and co-hosted (with David Sanborn) two seasons of an acclaimed music performance programme, Night Music, on NBC. After presenting two series of Juke Box Jury in 1989 and then 26 shows of The Happening in 1990, Jools was asked in 1992 to host a new music programme for BBC2, which combined his talent and experience as a musician with his skills as a TV presenter. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more This was Later... with Jools Holland. The show has reawakened the innovative spirit of The Tube and has just completed its 65thseries, whilst Jools' Annual Hootenanny will celebrate its 32nd year. Jools' special guest, Andrew Roachford, is one of the UK's most compelling and enduring rock & soul artists, ever since his hit Cuddly Toy (a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades) topped the UK charts in 1988. He also spent time as a member of supergroup, Mike + the Mechanics, who enjoyed a string of charting singles. Roachford has released 10 studio albums and several greatest hits collections, been sought-after as a songwriter by the likes of Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, and consistently toured on his own and with contemporaries including Terence Trent D'Arby and The Christians. In 2019, Andrew received an MBE for Services to Music. Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Tickets are €67.50 plus fees and are available Friday June 13 2025, online at and in person or by phone (071) 916 1518 from the Hawk's Well box office and from
