Latest news with #Winterburn
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
From Dubai's underground to opening for Guns N' Roses: How Naser Mestarihi realised his rock dream
Many people go through life wondering what they would really like to do. Not Naser Mestarihi. He always dreamt of making rock music. He reached a milestone with his band Winterburn when performing as the opening act at the Guns N' Roses concert in Bahrain last month. The band played three gigs in the Gulf, following Bahrain with shows in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. 'Kind of surreal,' is how Mestarihi describes the experience of opening for one of his favourite bands. 'I still can't wrap my head around it.' Born and brought up in Doha to a Jordanian father and Pakistani mother, the rocker's curiosity in music was initially piqued when he heard The Beatles. But his obsession began when he listened to Guns N' Roses for the first time. 'It's a funny story,' Mestarihi tells The National. 'My uncle worked for a Danish company and one weekend he borrowed a colleague's car, which contained a copy of the album Appetite for Destruction. I was a curious kid, about eight years old, and swiped the cassette. 'I didn't get the whole album because the tape I used to copy it was too short, but what I heard was enough to blow my mind.' It was a sliding doors moment for Mestarihi. ' Appetite for Destruction was the record that made me want to be a musician' he says. Guns N' Roses founding member and guitarist Duff McKagan was in Bahrain on May 20 and went backstage to speak to Winterburn before they took to the stage. 'We talked about everything from ancient civilizations and the weather to their travels around the Middle East,' recalls Mestarihi. 'Duff wished us well and gave me a hug. It meant a lot. I went on stage totally energised thinking 'I'm gonna tear it up just for that guy.'' After the concert, Mestarihi ran into McKagan again. 'He was full of praise – said he loved the band and that he was really rooting for us after our chat.' Mestarihi believes he moved with his family to Dubai at just the right time for his passion to grow. The city was about to host Desert Rock in 2004. The first metal and rock series of concerts in the country featured the likes of Slayer, Sepultura, Machine Head, Mastodon and In Flames. 'Moving to Dubai was cool because there was a real rock crowd – a community,' says Mestarihi. But music venues at the time were less supportive. 'Promoters didn't want to book rock music. One said it was too rock and roll for his venue.' For years, Mestarihi struggled to realise the plans he had for his band. Even though he was able to become the first Arab musician endorsed by Gibson guitars, he struggled to find collaborators. In 2021, after other band members 'bailed on him' due to the pandemic, Mestarihi finished the album Ivory Towers by playing every instrument. 'That's been the story for most of my career: producing, funding and tracking everything on my own. I took inspiration from artists like Lenny Kravitz and Prince – playing multiple instruments, managing the whole process. 'It's been a journey, full of obstacles,' Mestarihi adds. 'But I've always pushed through. I just don't give up. I keep going no matter what.' While playing for Guns N' Roses was a life highlight, Mestarihi's some former band members weren't happy to see him reach those heights without him. 'Not everyone was thrilled though – I could tell,' adds Mestarihi. The musician moved to Saudi Arabia with his family last year and says it's an ideal place to a grow a rock music fan base. 'Saudis have been very receptive,' he says. 'They appreciate original music. I've seen bands performing their own material and it's impressive. There's a real sense of culture.' Mestarihi took a year off out of respect for the people suffering in Gaza, but feels reinvigorated. The Guns N' Roses endorsement is just what he needs to finish what he hopes will be his rock masterpiece. 'When I moved to Saudi Arabia last year, a lot of people thought I was done with music,' Mestarihi says. 'I went through a personal crisis. But what no one saw was that I was quietly working away, recording music and writing songs. We now have 17 songs for two upcoming albums. It's going to be incredible.'
Scoop
19-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Community Encouraged To Help Keep Eely Point Looking Sharp For Future Generations
Press Release – Queenstown Lakes District Council QLDCs Parks team is hosting two community-drop in sessions at Eely Point up by the Coastguard building, from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday 24 May, and 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Tuesday 27 May. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on the community to get involved in a draft Tree Succession Plan for Eely Point in Wānaka, to protect this popular local spot and create a resilient and diverse environment for future generations to enjoy. QLDC Parks Manager, Dave Winterburn said the draft plan for Eely Point takes a long-term view over 60 years to manage ageing and invasive wilding pines in the reserve and self-seeded willows and poplars growing in the shallows of the lake nearby, and how native and suitable exotic trees would be added in the area. 'Approximately 25% of the reserve is made up of wilding conifers, and as these trees grow older and near the end of their lives, we need to ensure we're protecting Eely Point and taking the appropriate steps to create a more sustainable and resilient public space,' said Mr Winterburn. 'Our intended approach looks at slowly removing these invasive trees in stages across multiple zones, to ensure new trees and plants introduced in the area have time to adapt to the windy environment.' Much like in Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens, wilding conifers within Eely Point play a crucial role in acting as a windbreak and help to shield this public space from wild weather, but their invasive nature and advancing age pose a range of environmental threats. The dense canopy of these trees blocks sunlight and reduces native flora and fauna, they drop needle litter that results in poor soil health, and their location on a peninsula next to Lake Wānaka creates a significant seed spread risk for surrounding areas. Pioneer species like grasses, ferns, and mānuka are proposed to be used to restore soil structure and support the growth of future planting, followed by native trees like kānuka, kōwhai, beech, and southern rātā to provide additional wind shelter as quickly as possible while creating new wildlife habitat. Carefully selected exotic species that are tall, fast-growing, and non-invasive would also be planted to further protect the wider area from wind, creating a new functional but less intrusive shelter. Mr Winterburn acknowledged that Eely Point's current look and feel was loved by many in the community and potential changes may lead to some apprehension, but emphasised the area needed a plan to manage wilding conifers before the end of their lives. 'Eely Point as a significant space enjoyed by locals and visitors all throughout the year, but its value to our community is best seen in summer as many use the reserve to play disc golf, enjoy a BBQ with friends, and lounge about by the water's edge with the family,' said Mr Winterburn. 'Given Eely Point's importance to Wānaka and the wider Upper Clutha, QLDC is encouraging regular users of this reserve, nearby residents, and visitors to check out the draft plan, come chat with staff at one of our drop-in sessions, and share feedback to protect the area for future generations.' The draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan, a range of supporting material and a feedback form are available online at and in QLDC's office and library in Wānaka. QLDC's Parks team is hosting two community-drop in sessions at Eely Point up by the Coastguard building, from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday 24 May, and 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Tuesday 27 May. Feedback on the draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan closes on Sunday 8 June. Once feedback has been gathered and reviewed, the Plan is expected to be presented to Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for adoption in July 2025.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Community Encouraged To Help Keep Eely Point Looking Sharp For Future Generations
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on the community to get involved in a draft Tree Succession Plan for Eely Point in Wānaka, to protect this popular local spot and create a resilient and diverse environment for future generations to enjoy. QLDC Parks Manager, Dave Winterburn said the draft plan for Eely Point takes a long-term view over 60 years to manage ageing and invasive wilding pines in the reserve and self-seeded willows and poplars growing in the shallows of the lake nearby, and how native and suitable exotic trees would be added in the area. 'Approximately 25% of the reserve is made up of wilding conifers, and as these trees grow older and near the end of their lives, we need to ensure we're protecting Eely Point and taking the appropriate steps to create a more sustainable and resilient public space,' said Mr Winterburn. 'Our intended approach looks at slowly removing these invasive trees in stages across multiple zones, to ensure new trees and plants introduced in the area have time to adapt to the windy environment.' Much like in Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens, wilding conifers within Eely Point play a crucial role in acting as a windbreak and help to shield this public space from wild weather, but their invasive nature and advancing age pose a range of environmental threats. The dense canopy of these trees blocks sunlight and reduces native flora and fauna, they drop needle litter that results in poor soil health, and their location on a peninsula next to Lake Wānaka creates a significant seed spread risk for surrounding areas. Pioneer species like grasses, ferns, and mānuka are proposed to be used to restore soil structure and support the growth of future planting, followed by native trees like kānuka, kōwhai, beech, and southern rātā to provide additional wind shelter as quickly as possible while creating new wildlife habitat. Carefully selected exotic species that are tall, fast-growing, and non-invasive would also be planted to further protect the wider area from wind, creating a new functional but less intrusive shelter. Mr Winterburn acknowledged that Eely Point's current look and feel was loved by many in the community and potential changes may lead to some apprehension, but emphasised the area needed a plan to manage wilding conifers before the end of their lives. 'Eely Point as a significant space enjoyed by locals and visitors all throughout the year, but its value to our community is best seen in summer as many use the reserve to play disc golf, enjoy a BBQ with friends, and lounge about by the water's edge with the family,' said Mr Winterburn. 'Given Eely Point's importance to Wānaka and the wider Upper Clutha, QLDC is encouraging regular users of this reserve, nearby residents, and visitors to check out the draft plan, come chat with staff at one of our drop-in sessions, and share feedback to protect the area for future generations.' The draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan, a range of supporting material and a feedback form are available online at and in QLDC's office and library in Wānaka. QLDC's Parks team is hosting two community-drop in sessions at Eely Point up by the Coastguard building, from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday 24 May, and 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Tuesday 27 May. Feedback on the draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan closes on Sunday 8 June. Once feedback has been gathered and reviewed, the Plan is expected to be presented to Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board for adoption in July 2025.
Metro
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal tipped to replace 'erratic' star as part of summer transfer rebuild
Arsenal have been tipped to upgrade upon Gabriel Martinelli after his inconsistent performances for Mikel Arteta's side this season. While Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka have had to deal with lengthy lay-offs this season, Martinelli has been virtually ever-present save for a four-game spell on the treatment table in February. Despite that, the Brazilian has notched up only eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign, while he has managed just five in 25 appearances in all competitions since the turn of the year. Just two seasons ago, Martinelli scored an impressive 15 league goals, but the 23-year-old has struggled to hit those heights again in recent campaigns. An improved performance in a more central role saw Martinelli score the goal which sparked Arsenal's impressive comeback against Liverpool last weekend. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But former Gunners defender Nigel Winterburn believes the forward's time as a regular starter in Arteta's side could come to an end after this summer's transfer window. 'That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season,' Winterburn told Metro via best live casinos. 'He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we've seen in the past that we know he can produce. 'However, it wouldn't surprise me, if I'm honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.' Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has been widely linked with a move to Arsenal this summer and could occupy a similar spot on the left side of a front three. Martinelli, meanwhile, is said to have drawn interest from Saudi Arabia, although Winterburn doesn't believe a move to the Middle East would be in the Brazilian's best interests. 'I don't see him leaving in the summer, but he's going to have to work hard to keep his spot in the side moving forward,' he added. 'I can't pre-judge what other players are going to do. Going to Saudi Arabia is huge money but Martinelli is still a young man and I don't know if I would be comfortable making that move. 'That league isn't strong and it may never be strong. They're trying to build something but that's going to take many, many years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'There only reason he would be going would be for the money and I won't judge him on that but he's on huge amounts anyway and you want to be in one of the most competitive leagues in the world which the Premier League is.' For now, Martinelli and Arsenal's focus will turn to Sunday's important league clash with Newcastle as the Gunners look to ensure their second-place finish. 'The last five or six games in the league have been a bit strange and a bit disappointing,' said Winterburn. 'The run of results hasn't been brilliant, but I think the Champions League run definitely had something to do with that. More Trending 'But when you get to this stage of the season, is second any better than fourth? You still get Champions League football so I don't think there's much to be worried about. 'I imagine Mikel Arteta will have a different view of that and he'll want to get the better of Newcastle who have been a bit of a bogey team for him. 'If you can end with two strong performances, then you go into the off-season with a bit more momentum. Then it's about a review and then you would think a few movements on the squad in and out. That's what everybody is expecting and it's what is needed.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal urged to sign 'proven' Premier League star if £150m transfer fails MORE: Edwin van der Sar praises Man Utd transfer target and criticises Arsenal star David Raya MORE: Arsenal told Viktor Gyokeres is 'all theirs' on one condition
Reuters
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Dream G Holly Winterburn to miss season due to injury
April 9 - Atlanta Dream guard Holly Winterburn will miss the entire 2025 WNBA season due to an unspecified injury, the team announced this week. The Great Britain native signed a training camp contract with Atlanta in early February and currently is playing with Besiktas JK in Turkey's Super League. The Dream said the team would retain Winterburn's exclusive WNBA playing rights. Winterburn, 24, played college basketball at Oregon from 2019-20, averaging 3.4 points and 11.4 minutes in 28 games off the bench. She won a EuroCup Women's championship while playing for the London Lions in 2024.
