Latest news with #liveperformance
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Paul Simon Delivers As ‘A Quiet Celebration' Tour Winds Down
Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL 'Here's a… an old song,' said Paul Simon with a smile on stage in Chicago. 'I suddenly realized they're all old songs,' he said softly with a wink on opening night of a sold out three evening stand at Symphony Center, part of his 'A Quiet Celebration' return run. Few songwriters can match the canon of music Simon, 83, has meticulously crafted over the course of more than six decades. Partnering with Art Garfunkel, Simon moved over 100 million records globally, tacking on another 35 million albums sold as a solo artist, rendering him one of the best selling artists of all time. The duo's final studio album Bridge Over Troubled Water stood for a spell as the best selling album ever following its release in 1970, with Simon continually experimenting with an array of sounds in his wonderfully diverse body of solo work, going on to move in excess of 16 million copies of his 1986 opus Graceland. Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL Following a farewell tour in 2018, Simon has appeared on stage a handful of times but 'A Quiet Celebration' marks his first full tour since, with the legendary singer and songwriter appearing for multi night runs in each city, performing in smaller theaters better equipped to support and showcase the nuance in his new music better than the arenas he could otherwise easily fill (a North American run which continues this weekend in San Francisco, California ahead of closing shows in Vancouver, British Columbia July 26 through 28 and Seattle, Washington on July 31 and August 2 and 3). At the heart of the incredible return run lies Simon's latest album Seven Psalms, a spiritual affair inspired by the old testament's Book of Psalms which appears on record as an acoustic suite: seven unbroken songs ruminating upon life and mortality which were designed to be absorbed by the listener in full, with the carefully chosen rooms on this tour supporting Simon's mission. Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL On stage at Symphony Center, home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Simon and company opened the show with the new album uninterrupted over the course of about 35 minutes, closing the performance with both deep cuts and hits over about two hours and 15 minutes. 'The Lord' read the screen flanking the band as Simon got going with sparse acoustic guitar while voices built the conclusion of the new album's opening track. Flute cut through xylophone and percussion early as more guitar and timpani rang out later. That dueling percussion lent 'My Professional Opinion' a bit of a shuffle while Simon plucked in an almost flamenco fashion during 'Your Forgiveness.' Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL Vocalist Edie Brickell, Simon's wife of 33 years, joined for both 'The Sacred Harp' and 'Wait,' with the backing band swelling to 12 as Simon and Brickell harmonized on the chorus of the former while church bells brought the stunning full album performance of the new Seven Psalms to a close moments later. 'This is the first time since COVID that I'm able to play with my fellow musicians,' noted Simon at the top of the show, setting up the album suite. 'The second half is a bunch of hits. Some deep tracks - sort of,' explained the songwriter. 'Songs I always liked - but haven't played live much before. I hope you enjoy yourselves.' Slide guitar, flute and fiddle fueled a hootenanny as Simon donned his trademark baseball cap during 'Graceland." Simon started 'Slip Slidin' Away' solo acoustic before dusting off 'Train in the Distance' from 1983's Hearts and Bones record. 'Here's a song from the Simon & Garfunkel days,' he said, characteristically underselling 'Homeward Bound' as the second set began to find its footing. Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL One of the great storytellers, Simon was in fine form on stage, returning to Hearts and Bones as he told the story behind 'The Late Great Johnny Ace,' a highlight on opening night in Chicago. 'Here's a song direct from a childhood memory…' he began. 'When I was an adolescent, there was a blues singer named Johnny Ace. His #1 record was 'Pledging My Love.' I loved that song,' Simon continued, explaining how Ace accidentally shot himself on Christmas day in 1954. 'I heard it the next day on the radio. The DJ said, 'We're gonna play his new song and from now on we're gonna call him the late great Johnny Ace.'' Simon conducted a bit as drums stomped in, gesturing left toward flute, violin and cello as images of John Lennon and John F. Kennedy appeared on screen as Simon namechecked them lyrically (also both victims of gun violence). Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL 'This next song comes from the Graceland album and it's written about a specific person,' said Simon, reintroducing fans to Joseph Shabalala of South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. 'Here to help me sing - and improve the performance vastly - is Edie Brickell,' said Simon dryly with a smile. While he experimented with South African sounds on Graceland (bassist Bakithi Kumalo, 69, who performed on the album, is back for this live run) it was authentic reggae he was after in 1972, working with Jimmy Cliff's backing band on 'Mother and Child Reunion.' Heading for home, Simon and company worked up 'Me and Julio Down Down by the Schoolyard' shortly thereafter as opening night neared encore. Paul Simon performs on stage during his 'A Quiet Celebration' tour. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at ... More Symphony Center in Chicago, IL Returning to the stage, the Chicago faithful went berserk as Simon put his spin upon '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,' clapping along slightly offbeat as he made his way back to the Simon & Garfunkel canon one more time. 'This song is called 'The Boxer,'' he said simply. Starting the legendary track on his own, the band came swooping in out of the first verse as the crowd roared, with Simon's arms spread wide as the band took a bow. Gazing to his left, Simon was clearly swept up in the moment as he wrapped up the evening with the iconic 'The Sound of Silence,' delivering both a stirring and stunning solo take on the unparalleled number to the rapt audience. 'In restless dreams I walked alone…' sang Paul Simon as 'A Quiet Celebration' drew to a close on opening night in the Windy City.
UAE Moments
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Travis Scott Confirms Abu Dhabi Concert for November 2025
Travis Scott is heading back to the UAE this year with a live performance at Etihad Park, Yas Island, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Grammy-nominated rapper has officially included Abu Dhabi as one of the few global stops on his 2025 Circus Maximus World Tour. Only Six Cities, and Abu Dhabi Made the Cut This new leg of Scott's tour will visit just six international cities. The run begins in Johannesburg on October 11, followed by Delhi, Seoul, Sanya, and Tokyo, before wrapping up in Abu Dhabi. This makes the UAE capital the only Middle East stop on the highly limited tour. Expect a Packed Show at Etihad Park Fans can expect a massive turnout as Travis returns to Abu Dhabi, where he last performed in 2016 and 2023. The artist is known for his high-energy shows and genre-bending music, especially tracks from his UTOPIA album. With a loyal regional fanbase, the one-night-only event is expected to draw crowds from across the GCC. His Last Tour Was Record-Breaking The original Circus Maximus tour launched in late 2023 and quickly became the highest-grossing rap tour in history. It raked in over $209 million from 76 sold-out shows across North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, selling more than 1.7 million tickets. The 2025 tour is set to be more exclusive, focusing only on select international cities. Ticket Sales Open This Week
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Big names from film and TV descend on York for packed five-day festival
BIG names from film and television will descend on York for five days as a popular festival expands and embarks on a new era. The Aesthetic Film Festival is now in its 15th year and promises to be the biggest yet when it is staged in York from November 5 to 9. The annual BAFTA-qualifying festival has grown into one of the largest screen and media events in the UK, and plans have been unveiled for a brand-new series of evening events at York Theatre Royal for 2025. Entitled 'Beyond the Frame', the events will run for four of the five nights of the festival as part of plans for Aesthetica to evolve beyond a traditional film festival into a celebration of screen culture, live performance and fresh voices. The four Theatre Royal events will blend comedy with conversation, film and music, kicking off on Wednesday 5 November with stand-up comedy night Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women. Bella Hull will feature in Sophie Duker & Friends: Three Brilliant Women (Image: Submitted)It will feature Sophie Duker (Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Frankie Boyle's New World Order), Eleanor Tiernan (BBC3's Stand Up For Live Comedy, Radio 4's The News Quiz) and Bella Hull (Comedy Central Live, ITV's The Stand Up Sketch Show, and BBC's Stand Up for Live Comedy). On Thursday 6 November, The Dodge Brothers will bring their acclaimed live score to Beg gars of Life (1928), a landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks for a collision of classic cinema and live music. The Dodge Brothers (photo by Mark Tipping) (Image: Submitted) With film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode on double bass and harmonica and joined by Neil Brand – celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four's Sound of Cinema – on piano, this ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a cinematic event. The Dodge Brothers' performances include Glastonbury, Latitude, BBC Radio 2, The Culture Show and The One Show, and they have built a cult following for their foot-stomping sound and genre-defying performances. Audiences can join Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson, award-winning radio producter, on Friday 7 November as they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book Mark Kermode's Surround Sound. RECOMMENDED READS: £1m makeover transforms prime York site into new hub for beauty professionals York leisure centres throw doors open for free open weekend Mark is a BAFTA member and Observer columnist, known for his razor-sharp reviews on Kermode & Mayo's Take and bestselling books like The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex. Jenny produced Mark's Scala Radio film music show for five years and brings behind-the-scenes expertise and a broadcaster's ear to the conversation. Finally, on Saturday 8 November, ten emerging UK artists and bands will compete live throughout the day at Sound & Vision: New Music Talent Stage on the Main House stage, spanning genres from indie and folk to grime, jazz, and experimental pop. Audiences are invited to experience the future of sound. Attendees will be able to get a music pass and have flexibility to see the bands throughout the day. Cherie Federico, director of Aesthetica, said: 'This year, with the launch of Beyond the Frame at York Theatre Royal, we are expanding the boundaries of what a festival can be - merging cinema, comedy, music and conversation into a bold new platform for live, interdisciplinary storytelling. It marks a pivotal step in our evolution, creating unforgettable shared experiences and spotlighting the voices shaping screen culture today.' York Theatre Royal is teaming up with the Aestetica Film Festival by staging events over four days (Image: Submitted) Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal said, 'We have been supporters of the Aesthetica Film Festival since its inception 15 years ago. We are delighted to work with them on this exciting new season of events which expands their festival programme. "We are always looking for ways to bring something new to York's cultural scene – and with the city's designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, this felt like the perfect partnership. Fusing comedy, conversation, film and music into one incredible line-up of events, we are excited to welcome audiences in for something entirely new this Autumn!' All events are on sale from the York Theatre Royal Box Office (01904 623568) or online at York Theatre Royal will also be a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses (05-09 Nov). For more details visit the Aesthetica website.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kanye 'Ye' West Struggles Through Chaotic, Rain-Soaked Shanghai Concert
Kanye 'Ye' West's return to live performance is off to a rocky start. The errant rapper, producer and mogul's concert in Shanghai on Friday night was beset by technical problems, terrible weather and thousands of people chanting for a refund after he began the show over 40 minutes late. Ye, who rarely plays live these days due to an ongoing struggle to find willing concert partners not turned off by his many swirling controversies, returned to China last week after conducting a lucrative and highly viral listening party at the Wuyuanhe Stadium in Haikou, Hainan Province, in September 2024. His hotly anticipated gig at Shanghai Stadium, planned in support of his forthcoming album Bully, was sold out within minutes, according to local reports, suggesting that the rapper's various racism and social media controversies have not dimmed the enthusiasm of his Chinese fans. More from The Hollywood Reporter Will Justin Bieber Land a No. 1 Debut With 'Swag?' 'Superman' Star Nicholas Hoult Takes on New Role as Save the Children Ambassador Jeff Lynne Cancels Final ELO Show Due to Health Issues The Global Times, a state-backed Chinese news outlet known for its nationalistic stance, reports that Ye's gig was promoted as 'an immersive, multisensory experience, promising innovative stage design, upgraded setlists, and international production teams.' The paper added that 'promotional materials highlighted the show as a 'comprehensive, genre-defying journey through Ye's musical career, combining sound, light, visuals, and installations.'' From the outset, the mood was challenged in Shanghai Stadium Friday night by heavy rain, which poured down upon the stage and the crowd through the arena's open roof. The crowd grew increasingly restless at some point past the gig's scheduled 7:30 p.m. start time, with thousands eventually chanting for refunds. Ye finally arrived at around 8:10 p.m., walking out onto the stadium's vast gray stage solo, wearing black leather pants and a gray hoodie with 'China' written across the back. Fog, projections and spotlights set an austere mood reminiscent of some of his Donda stage design, but with even fewer visual elements. Occasionally, an enormous projection of Ye was beamed across the stage, while overhead screens featured additional reworked footage. According to the Global Times, tickets to the gig were pricey by Chinese standards, ranging from 980 yuan (about $135) to 2,680 yuan ($375). Videos circulating online in China show moments of Ye seemingly giving the performance his all despite the tough circumstances, throwing his body around to the beat and waving his arms wildly as he raps along to his hits. At other moments, he looks utterly defeated, such as when his most recent single, 'Losing Your Mind,' booms through the stadium's sound system, and he stops signing altogether and slowly walks off the stage. Local reports suggest the sound quality throughout the show was inconsistent at best. Even while the concert was underway, Ye became a trending topic on Chinese social media, sparking intense debate among fans. Some defended the rapper and blamed the setbacks on the weather, while others argued it was all a lazy display — or even a cynical ploy to cash in on China at a time when the rapper's brand remains diminished throughout the West. In a career marked by an uncanny ability to stay in the news, Ye has upped the ante in 2025, seemingly leaning into his pariah status in the entertainment industry, and pop culture generally, with a series of hugely controversial music releases and public stunts. In March, the rapper released a track that credited vocals to Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who was about to begin a federal sex trafficking trial. On June 13, Ye, who has been an outspoken defender of Combs, would also appear briefly at Combs' trial and later that month he released Never Stop, an EP by Combs' son Christian 'King' Combs. On the music side, in March, Ye revealed he would release an album titled WW3, which was subsequently changed to Cuck and later A Perfect World. The first single off his upcoming 13th studio album, was the single 'WW3' with a cover image featuring a Ku Klux Klan hood. The second single 'Cousins' was also controversial as its music video feature KKK iconography and a swastika. And finally, the third single was titled 'Heil Hitler.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kanye 'Ye' West Struggles Through Chaotic, Rain-Soaked Shanghai Concert
Kanye 'Ye' West's return to live performance is off to a rocky start. The errant rapper, producer and mogul's concert in Shanghai on Friday night was beset by technical problems, terrible weather and thousands of people chanting for a refund after he began the show over 40 minutes late. Ye, who rarely plays live these days due to an ongoing struggle to find willing concert partners not turned off by his many swirling controversies, returned to China last week after conducting a lucrative and highly viral listening party at the Wuyuanhe Stadium in Haikou, Hainan Province, in September 2024. His hotly anticipated gig at Shanghai Stadium, planned in support of his forthcoming album Bully, was sold out within minutes, according to local reports, suggesting that the rapper's various racism and social media controversies have not dimmed the enthusiasm of his Chinese fans. More from The Hollywood Reporter Will Justin Bieber Land a No. 1 Debut With 'Swag?' 'Superman' Star Nicholas Hoult Takes on New Role as Save the Children Ambassador Jeff Lynne Cancels Final ELO Show Due to Health Issues The Global Times, a state-backed Chinese news outlet known for its nationalistic stance, reports that Ye's gig was promoted as 'an immersive, multisensory experience, promising innovative stage design, upgraded setlists, and international production teams.' The paper added that 'promotional materials highlighted the show as a 'comprehensive, genre-defying journey through Ye's musical career, combining sound, light, visuals, and installations.'' From the outset, the mood was challenged in Shanghai Stadium Friday night by heavy rain, which poured down upon the stage and the crowd through the arena's open roof. The crowd grew increasingly restless at some point past the gig's scheduled 7:30 p.m. start time, with thousands eventually chanting for refunds. Ye finally arrived at around 8:10 p.m., walking out onto the stadium's vast gray stage solo, wearing black leather pants and a gray hoodie with 'China' written across the back. Fog, projections and spotlights set an austere mood reminiscent of some of his Donda stage design, but with even fewer visual elements. Occasionally, an enormous projection of Ye was beamed across the stage, while overhead screens featured additional reworked footage. According to the Global Times, tickets to the gig were pricey by Chinese standards, ranging from 980 yuan (about $135) to 2,680 yuan ($375). Videos circulating online in China show moments of Ye seemingly giving the performance his all despite the tough circumstances, throwing his body around to the beat and waving his arms wildly as he raps along to his hits. At other moments, he looks utterly defeated, such as when his most recent single, 'Losing Your Mind,' booms through the stadium's sound system, and he stops signing altogether and slowly walks off the stage. Local reports suggest the sound quality throughout the show was inconsistent at best. Even while the concert was underway, Ye became a trending topic on Chinese social media, sparking intense debate among fans. Some defended the rapper and blamed the setbacks on the weather, while others argued it was all a lazy display — or even a cynical ploy to cash in on China at a time when the rapper's brand remains diminished throughout the West. In a career marked by an uncanny ability to stay in the news, Ye has upped the ante in 2025, seemingly leaning into his pariah status in the entertainment industry, and pop culture generally, with a series of hugely controversial music releases and public stunts. In March, the rapper released a track that credited vocals to Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who was about to begin a federal sex trafficking trial. On June 13, Ye, who has been an outspoken defender of Combs, would also appear briefly at Combs' trial and later that month he released Never Stop, an EP by Combs' son Christian 'King' Combs. On the music side, in March, Ye revealed he would release an album titled WW3, which was subsequently changed to Cuck and later A Perfect World. The first single off his upcoming 13th studio album, was the single 'WW3' with a cover image featuring a Ku Klux Klan hood. The second single 'Cousins' was also controversial as its music video feature KKK iconography and a swastika. And finally, the third single was titled 'Heil Hitler.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025
