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      This Morning star hits back after she’s accused of ‘abusing’ and ‘criticising’ small companies

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      A PRESENTER from This Morning has hit back at her followers after receiving backlash for a DIY project.Kate Lawler, 43, previously shared that she had attempted making her own balloon arch for her mother-in-law’s birthday.Kate Lawler came under fire for a DIY projectCredit: Instagram/@thekatelawlerShe made her own balloon arch for a family birthday partyCredit: InstagramSeveral people criticised her for not getting a professional to do itCredit: InstagramShe was quoted £250 to get the job done by professionals, so figured she would save some dosh and try crafting one herself.The TV star proudly showed off her £67 creation on Instagram after finishing it, but balloonists were quick to attack her for devaluing their work.One person hit out: “As a balloon/prop/decor company that does exactly these sort of set ups – I think you just highlighted why it would be £200 from professionals. Yours does the job but it doesn’t compare.”Another jumped in adding: “You get what you paid for and I think you just seriously dissed all of us balloon artists. Our costs include luxury branded balloons, skill and labour.”read more in showbizA third cruelly remarked: “I guess if you’re happy then well done BUT to me it looks bloody awful so so many mistakes but hey ho whatever floats your boat!”A fourth sarcastically wrote: “Thanks Kate, considering you obviously know nothing about a professional balloon artist and how much goes into our work. Not just that we put our heart and soul into our business, but it’s also our time. How do you expect us to work for free? Maybe people want to think carefully before criticising how much it actually costs.”After receiving a deluge of mean comments Kate created a video to respond to the haters, sharing that she “can’t cope” with the situation.Looking defeated with her head in her hands, the mum said: “Guys, I’m getting absolutely torn apart on Instagram and I can’t cope. I’ve got to have my say, I’ve got to stick up for myself. Most read in Showbiz”All I did was buy an easel off Amazon, a welcome board off Etsy and some balloons from Ginger Ray UK. I’m being annihilated. “I’m ‘abusing’ and ‘criticising’ the balloon arch community. Oh the Karens are out in force!”‘You should be ashamed of yourself Kate for not supporting small business! You’ve just shown the internet what kind of person you really are, Kate!’ I just made my own balloon arch! “Honestly, I can’t cope! There are also people out there right, who can’t afford to pay £250 for a balloon arch if they are just having a small gathering at home for 20 people, like I was for Sue’s birthday. “The average age was 70. They don’t give a s*** about big balloon arches.”She went on to shake the criticism off by dancing with balloons she used to make the arch while singing along to Don’t Let The B*stards Get You Down by Kris Kristofferson.This Morning star slams Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard as a ‘safe choice’ and claims she wasn’t asked to present show More

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      Another Capital radio star quits just hours after Roman Kemp’s emotional exit

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      CAPITAL Radio has been dealt another blow after another top presenter quit the show hours after Roman Kemp’s exit. Will Njobvu, who hosts for Capital XTRA, broke the news that he will be stepping down from his Saturday breakfast show.Will Njobvu will be doing his last show this weekendThe star, who opened up about being gay live on air in 2022, called the decision “tough”.Sharing the news on social media, Will wrote: “As they say in showbiz, it’s a WRAP! After 4 and a half amazing years – I’ve taken the tough decision to leave from my Saturday morning show on Capital XTRA to focus on new opportunities elsewhere in broadcast & digital media.”My love for radio started 12 years ago in 2012 when I joined my student radio station in Leicester, then went on to hospital radio in Harrow and a local FM station in Watford – so ending up on Capital XTRA as my first job in commercial radio has been a blast & a real blessing.”He spoke about his other recent achievements, including his Love Island podcast and how he covered the breakfast show.read more on CAPITAL RADIO”Alongside my Saturday morning show I’ve hosted Sunday afternoons, covered the Breakfast show and my earlier listeners will remember when I use to bring you guys the Love Island interviews and gossip… even a reunion show! “This job kept my spirits high during lockdown, through Black Lives Matter – I got so comfortable with my listeners that I decided to open up about my sexuality for the first time ever on air (even though we knew the closet I was in was see through & made of glass ) but it was an amazing moment! His final show will be this Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Will’s news comes after pal and colleague Roman said an emotional goodbye to his Capital Breakfast show.Most read in ShowbizThe radio favourite who has been at the helm for 10 years thanked fans for “saving his life” on his final gig.Roman – who has been open about his own depression and mental health battles – said his job held him together when he was facing challenges in his personal life.In an emotional segment on Thursday morning, Roman told listeners: “I know that there is a lot of people listening right now, and I wanted to take the time to say thank you.”I was more nervous about saying I was leaving than actually leaving this show.”This show is run by so many people behind the scenes who try so hard to give you that bit of energy in the morning and to try and get you up and feeling good, but I think what I want to get across is just how much fun I’ve had on this station in the past ten years.”It has changed my life in so many ways and I have grown up in this place, and that’s because of all of you listening.”You have been able to be there for me through things that I never imagined would even happen.”I’ve had moments on this show where my whole life outside of work is completely down the pan. “There were times where I didn’t want to be here anymore. There have been moments where my life outside of this room has been the worst thing ever.”I know a great life, but in my head that’s how it felt. I knew that all I had in my life were these four hours in my day where I could come to work and in those four hours I knew that I was going to laugh and have fun and be surrounded by people that get me and those four hours and those people that I’m talking about include you – the listeners.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You have no idea how much you have helped me.”Roman said an emotional goodbye to the breakfast show More

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      We were really nervous about working with Noel Gallagher… he’s the chord lord!, say The Black Keys ahead of new album

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      When The Black Keys were looking for guest artists for their new album, they aimed high. Very high.First, the duo of singer/ guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Pat Carney contacted one of their abiding inspirations, the genre-hopping Beck.When The Black Keys were looking for guest artists for their new album, they aimed high – signing up Beck and Noel GallagherCredit: Larry NiehuesThe duo of singer/ guitarist Dan Auerbach, right and drummer Pat CarneyCredit: Larry NiehuesOf the 14 tracks on Ohio Players, seven are co-writes with Beck and three resulted from a whirlwind trip to London for sessions with Noel GallagherCredit: Image credit: Matt CrockettThen they decided to “hit up” Noel Gallagher, Britpop hero and primary songwriter in Oasis.Both their targets responded brilliantly, helping them make their 12th studio record, Ohio Players, a vibrant, freewheeling triumph.Of the 14 tracks, seven are co-writes with Beck and three resulted from a whirlwind trip to London for sessions with Noel.Reflecting on Beck’s involvement, Carney says: “I’ve had negative experiences of meeting my heroes, but he is a really funny guy, very dry and so cool.”MORE BIG MUSIC INTERVIEWSOn working with the older Gallagher brother, Auerbach adds, “We were really nervous because he is the chord lord.“But he’s so likeable and man, we hit it off instantly.”The pair found out later that this is the first time Noel has written songs for a band outside of his High Flying Birds and Oasis.In anticipation of their new album’s imminent release, Auerbach and Carney are speaking to me from their adopted hometown of Nashville.Most read in MusicAs Americans would say, both are stoked by their efforts.‘Dive into Memphis rap blew my mind’Carney reports: “I’m excited to hear the reaction. We’ve worked harder on this than anything else we’ve ever made.”Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Council Skies, official video, first 17 secondsWhile the title Ohio Players is a nod to their formative years in Akron, it is also a reference to the funk/soul band of the same name who were big in the Seventies.Maybe it also acknowledges the Midwest state’s diverse music scene that produced Chrissie Hynde, Guided By Voices and Carney’s early favourites Devo.I’ve been a lifelong rap fan. Ever since we were kids, it’s been the most popular type of musicDan Auerbach Auerbach says: “The original Ohio Players always seemed to have a woman’s backside prominently displayed on their album covers.“Often being touched by pieces of ice,” laughs Carney, adding that their more modest cover shows a clothed rear view of Auerbach’s girlfriend in a bowling alley.And Auerbach again: “That is about as gratuitous as we could get.”There’s also room on Ohio Players for contributions by Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia (Paper Crown) and Lil Noid (Candy And Her Friends), continuing The Black Keys’ infatuation with rap and hip-hop.“I’ve been a lifelong rap fan,” confesses Auerbach. “Ever since we were kids, it’s been the most popular type of music.“But only recently did I get introduced to the Memphis underground scene of Tommy Wright III, Lil Noid and Three 6 Mafia.“I’d never even heard of them but I took a deep dive and they blew my mind.”When The Black Keys sent Paper Crown to Juicy J, he sent his vocal contribution back two days later.“J also put the scratching on the top of the song,” says Auerbach. “We would never have thought to do that but he felt compelled. It’s a collaborative record!”Ohio Players keeps up a creative streak that began with 2019’s Let’s Rock, continued into 2021’s collection of Mississippi hill country blues covers, Delta Kream, and then on to 2022’s Dropout Boogie.“We’ve been working at a high level recently,” Auerbach tells me. “Sharpening the blade for the last five years.”The new album confirms the duo’s growing willingness to let other artists into their world, something that never happened when they first set out from their childhood stomping ground hoping to make it big.Auerbach remembers how it used to be: “Well, here’s the thing,” he says. “In the past, we were never able to collaborate.“A) because we were from the middle of nowhere and didn’t know anybody. B) because we were always too insecure to ever truly collaborate in a meaningful way.”By the time of Delta Kream, however, Auerbach and Carney opened the door to authentic hill country blues musicians who greatly enhanced their endeavours.Then Dropout Boogie ushered in cameos by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Reigning Sound’s Greg Cartwright and their producer pal Angelo Petraglia, best known for his work with Kings Of Leon.‘Beck was integral in our early development’Auerbach picks up the story again: “When the time came to do our next album, we just continued with the process.“Pat said, ‘Maybe we should dig into the Rolodex a little deeper’. And Beck was the first name.”Why him in particular? I venture. “Because we’d been such huge fans for so long and he was integral in our early development,” he replies.In 2003, The Black Keys were introduced to Beck at a Saturday Night Live after-party in New York. They gave him a copy of their newly minted second album, Thickfreakness and, to their delight, he responded by asking them to be the support act on his next tour of the States.“Beck gave us a really good shot early on,” says Auerbach. “It was huge for us. We’d never played big beautiful outdoor places like Red Rocks before.“He was right in the middle of the Sea Change record, which I absolutely loved, so I got to hear those songs every night in these echoey amphitheatres — it was amazing.“He also introduced us to all these people in the music world who we’re still in contact with to this day.”Among those playing in Beck’s band on that tour was Greg Kurstin, who went on to produce albums by Macca, Adele, Foo Fighters, Gorillaz and many more big acts. He co-writes the Ohio Players emphatic finale, Every Time You Leave.We could understand where he was coming from. It was snotty, it was bratty, it was smart, it was stupidThe Black Keys on BeckThe Black Keys had been Beck fans since the mid-Nineties when, as teenagers, they started making music in a dingy basement in Akron.They marvelled at the creative spark behind albums such as Mellow Gold and Odelay which were wonderfully unconstrained by convention.Auerbach continues: “He showed us possibilities because we grew up in the hip-hop generation.“So hearing hip-hop drums with slide guitar, I was like, ‘Oh, s**t, I understand both those things’.”He also loved the “thrift store chic aesthetic” of Beck’s videos which, he says, had a “skater, handheld quality”.“Being two kids from Akron everything about it was appealing to us.“We could understand where he was coming from. It was snotty, it was bratty, it was smart, it was stupid.Carney recalls the first time he heard Beck’s breakthrough song Loser.“I was 14, in my mom’s car, and my ears perked up but it was Odelay that blew me away. My uncle Ralph Carney, a musician who played with Tom Waits and a bunch of people, had been sending me cassettes in the mail of really far out stuff.“He was introducing me to Can, The Shaggs, Sixties comedy routines and lounge music. It was a broad, eclectic mix.“And Odelay was like hearing someone taking a lot of these influences and making something amazing and pleasing to the ear.”Since touring together in 2003, Beck and The Black Keys “always talked about working together” and, 20 years later, they finally managed it.From day one at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Studios in Nashville, they knew they were onto something special.They wrote This Is Nowhere, which became the opening song on Ohio Players.It starts with a gloriously scuzzy baseline before flowering into a rip-roaring singalong. “That set the album in motion,” says Auerbach. “It was music discovery, interaction and collaboration — everything that we’ve been into recently.“We’ve always gotten along with Beck. We’re studio rats and so is he. We’re there to serve the songs. That’s why we wrote so many with him and why it felt like second nature.”Carney loved working with him, too, and says: “He’s the kind of guy who will actually listen to a CD if you hand it to him. He’ll follow through.‘Studio the size of a broom closet’“If you write a song with him, he’ll call you two weeks later just to change two words.“He’s a perfectionist. It was a good combination because Dan and I are the opposite,” he adds, alluding to The Black Keys’ desire to keep things rough round the edges.This brings us to the other very special guest on Ohio Players, a certain Noel Thomas David Gallagher.“He was also at the top of our list but we didn’t know him,” admits Auerbach.“We reached out and his people said, ‘He doesn’t do that type of thing but we’ll ask’.“We crossed our fingers and a few days later, we heard he’d be interested but we’d have to go to him. So we booked flights and a week at our favourite hotel in London.”They spent three days with Gallagher at Liam Watson’s Toe Rag studios in Hackney, known for its old-school recording techniques.Auerbach says: “It’s the size of a couple of broom closets. Noel was sat to my left playing his Gibson 335, Pat was on the drum kit and our friend Leon Michels was on a weird little German keyboard.”The sessions produced a song a day, the Beatlesesque On The Game, the down and dirty Only Love Matters and airy You’ll Pay with a great Auerbach falsetto.“Pat and I were absolutely comfortable sitting back and letting Noel do his thing, to flex his superpower,” continues the singer. “He would endlessly cycle through chords and we would wait until he was satisfied with the sound.”Carney offers his perspective: “Of course Dan and I are fans of Oasis, not just for their music but for the brothers’ sense of humour.“Even when Noel was really focusing, he would make everybody laugh.“Watching him cycle through transitionary chords, you could see his insane talent — and he lets you know he has it!”Carney reveals that they considered pushing for a fourth track with Gallagher but decided that three was enough.He says: “My biggest fear was trying to do another song and it sucked — and that being Noel’s last memory of us.”As a postscript to their fruitful trip to Britain, Auerbach tells this funny anecdote.“Toe Rag Studios is very cold and dingy but in a heartwarming way. The fact that it’s bare bones is its appeal and it’s why we had so much success there.“But as Noel was leaving on the last day, the owner said, ‘Well, we’ll see you next time Noel!’ And he replied, ‘You’re not going to see me again, mate!’ ”Auerbach accepts that the combination of The Black Keys and Fab Four superfan Gallagher was likely to produce a song with a Beatles vibe, hence On The Game.“I came from a Beatles household,” he says. “Before I’d even heard Oasis, I knew every Beatles song. Before I knew I wanted to be a musician, I knew them — they’re part of my vocabulary.”Having focused on their guest musicians, it’s time to ask Auerbach and Carney about their enduring relationship with each other.The older I get, the more I appreciate the special connection that Pat and I have. It’s like we won the lotteryOhio Players arrives at the same time as an unvarnished, officially sanctioned documentary about their journey called This Is A Film About The Black Keys, charting euphoric highs and crashing lows.“It’s very squirm-worthy,” says Auerbach. “I’m glad I don’t have to watch it again. Ha! Ha!“It tells our story, more or less, and maybe it’s interesting to young bands who can learn from the ups and downs. We didn’t want to make a movie that’s boring.”Of Carney, he says: “The older I get, the more I appreciate the special connection that Pat and I have. It’s like we won the lottery.Reflecting on Beck’s involvement, Carney says: ‘I’ve had negative experiences of meeting my heroes, but he is a really funny guy, very dry and so cool’Credit: Getty Images – GettyOf Auerbach, Carney, left, says: ‘We’re closer now than we’ve ever been’Credit: Larry Niehues“We didn’t know how to wield the power when we started. Then things got too big and we didn’t know how to pump the brakes and take care of ourselves.“But now we’re in such a good place that I feel we can do this indefinitely. We’re in the groove.”Of Auerbach, Carney says: “We’re closer now than we’ve ever been.“Moments of success can be overwhelming and highly stressful but we’ve been lucky enough to figure things out.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s not just about support and understanding. We have a similar work ethic, similar tastes and we’re not afraid to express an opinion.”Those teenage wannabes have come a long way. They are from Ohio and they are certainly Players.The Black Keys, Ohio Players is out April 5Credit: PRTHE BLACK KEYSOhio Players★★★★★ More

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      Inside Jamiroquai’s new album as Jay Kay starts work on first record in 7 years weeks after drummer died in car crash

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      It’s been seven long years since we heard new music from Jamiroquai.But now the funk group, behind smash hits including Virtual Insanity and Space Cowboy, are back in action.Jay Kay has taken Jamiroquai into the studio to start work on the band’s first album in seven yearsCredit: GettyThe group last played live at ­Victorious Festival last August with an electric 90-minute setCredit: ReutersI can exclusively reveal frontman Jay Kay has started working on a new record with the group.A source said: “It’s been a long time coming but the time feels right for Jamiroquai to work on new music.“Jay went into the studio for a writing session recently and it went really well.“They got the band involved too and it all felt very special to be back together doing what they do best.READ MORE ON JAY KAY“Everyone involved is excited about the new project and what it will sound like.“It’s early days and while they don’t know when the new record will be out, the wheels are in motion.”Sadly the group lost their bassist Derrick McIntyre, in a car accident last month and those close to the band said his memory would live on within their music.My insider added: “Losing Derrick was hard for everyone who knew him.Most read in Bizarre“It’s a reminder that life is short. His passion for music was inspiring and everyone in Jamiroquai had Derrick in mind.”During their 30-year career, Jamiroquai sold over 40 million records and notched up nine top ten singles. Their last record, Automaton, came out in 2017 and became their ninth top ten album.Music video for Jamiroquai’s 2005 hit Seven Days in Sunny JuneJay — real name Jason Cheetham — reissued their 1996 album Travelling Without Moving and Emergency On Planet Earth from 1993 a couple of years back which proved to be hugely successful and showed there was still big demand for their music.The group last played live at ­Victorious Festival last August with an electric 90-minute set and I was down near the front going absolutely bananas.I am more than ready for the ­second return of this space cowboy and I can’t wait to hear what they’ve been working on. More

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      Gogglebox legend returns to ‘normal job’ for first day back at work after maternity leave

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      GOGGLEBOX star Ellie Warner has shared a picture of her first day back at work after giving birth. The 32-year-old telly addict, who appears on the Channel 4 show alongside her sister Izzy, posted an excited picture on her Instagram Stories. Ellie shared she was back at work after maternity leaveCredit: InstagramEzra made his debut on Gogglebox in June 2023The professional hairdresser was seen in a messy apron in the middle of the salon, posing in the mirror with a cup of coffee and a Ribena perched on the table in front of her. Ellie has been a hairdresser since 2009 and has since become a specialist in hair colour – something she’s so passionate about she’s become known for her multicoloured hair styles. She is now working at Tint in Leeds, and later shared a second video of her joking around with her workmate in front of the camera. TV star Ellie confirmed in June last year she had given birth to her baby son last June, with the newborn joining her mum and aunty on Gogglebox. READ MORE GOGGLEBOXShe later confirmed on Instagram she’d named the boy Ezra, and has since shared pictures of the tot as he grows up online. The newborn is Ellie and her partner Nat Eddlestone’s first child.Although it’s not known how long the couple have been together, Ellie first mentioned Nat back on Gogglebox in 2018.Ellie has been off work after giving birth to baby EzraCredit: InstagramEzra is the star’s first babyCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘If I didn’t have mates around me, or I got into drugs, I could well be a maniacal big-head,’ says Elbow’s  Guy Garvey

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      ELBOW singer Guy Garvey is sitting in a coffee shop near his South London studio and musing on the question: Does he ever feel that success has gone to his head?It is the subject matter of Things I’ve Been Telling Myself For Years, the first song on Elbow’s splendid tenth record Audio Vertigo.Guy Garvey and Elbow are back with new album Audio VertigoWhen it comes to remaining grounded, Guy tells how he can’t even put a pair of sunglasses on without being pulled upCredit: anthonyHarrisonFriendship has always been central to Elbow. Garvey, Craig, Mark and Pete all met as teenagers and have played together since 1990, pictured here in 2016Credit: © Andrew Whitton 2016 The warm and grounded singer says: “Writing it, I was thinking about frontmen who have left the planet with their ego, and I thought how if I didn’t have my mates around me or if I’d got into drugs, I could be a maniacal big-head.“But I’ve got the lads in the band, and I’ve got my five big sisters. They’ve never let my head get big.“One time I was walking down the street with my sister Gina and I put a pair of sunglasses on.“She said, ‘What are them?’ I said, ‘Sunglasses’ and she said, ‘Take them off. Now’. So, I don’t wear sunglasses in Manchester.”Writing the album-opener was inspired by a conversation Garvey had with his wife, actress Rachael Stirling about his ability to “read people”.It is a song where the older Garvey holds the mirror up to his younger self — which is a similar theme to the gorgeous From The River, a song inspired by his young son Jack, who turns seven next month.Showing me a photo of the adorable Jack on his iPhone, Garvey says: “Jack is a cheeky monkey with us, but he’s good with the teachers.“He loves Rick Astley who’s recorded a message for him for his birthday.”Most read in Music‘We said this record should be beat-driven’Taking a sip from his cuppa, Garvey continues: “That song is a return to putting Jack in my shoes. Growing up we had a ruined factory at the bottom of the field next to our house.“We’d go down there to hear the dawn chorus and it was the first place I kissed a girl and the first place I smoked a cigarette — I go back there all the time in my head.Elbow’s Guy Garvey pulls naked streaker back on stage during gig “The line, ‘Bring us back something bright from the river, bring us back something beautiful son’ is me wishing Jack the best bits of my childhood and saying go and enjoy life and tell us about it.“Although, when the lads read the line, ‘Double the farthest that I’ve ever run,’ one said, ‘Well that’s not very difficult is it, Garv?’ Cheeky b**tards.”Elbow get their groove on for Audio Vertigo, an album Garvey describes as “a bit of a romp”.He adds: “It’s a rock record and it’s a lot of fun. When we started this record we said it should be beat-driven.“The last record Flying Dream 1 was autobiographical, it went into my marriage, my childhood, fatherhood and Diana dying.” Garvey’s mother-in-law, the actress Diana Rigg, died in 2020.Garvey says they were disappointed that the last album only reached No7 in the album charts when their previous three had reached No1.“Yes, we were gutted,” he admits. “We were super proud of it but it’s a very different album and it came out on the same day as Adele’s album.“It’s very difficult to place in a live set or get radio space. I think the only way you could perform it is in its entirety, which we might do.”Why do we like the idea of people killing themselves for love?Audio Vertigo was made at Migration Studios in Gloucestershire with some final tweaking at the band’s Salford Blueprint Studios.There are dark moments on the new album but with a brighter sound. Lovers’ Leap deals with the dark trope of star-crossed lovers and there is also a song called Knife Fight.Garvey says: “We nearly called our album Build A Rocket Boys!, Lovers’ Leap. Lovers’ leap is a nice pair of words and they have a big dramatic image attached.“Why do we like the idea of people killing themselves for love?“Mark came up with this weird, porny outro with this wild guitar and me having fun with the dark nature of the song.“And Knife Fight tells the story of a knife fight I saw in Istanbul which mirrors the same thing that happens in The Royal Tenenbaums film.“Am I scared about knives with Jack? Well, statistically, you’re more likely to die anywhere but London — no, I don’t worry about knife crime. My son’s got a healthy amount of my cowardice. He’s a very lovely confident lad. But he’s also very sensitive.”He adds: “And I can’t wait until he and his mates are hanging out at my studio when they’re teenagers. It’s the coolest, soundproof teenage hangout in South London.“I’m more worried that he’s going to be told to pick a rifle up at some point. We really need to stop a few dictators worldwide. They’re getting more confident. And if people don’t think it’s going to knock on their door, they are crazy.‘Everyone’s frightened and angry’“We live in a troubling age,” Garvey says. “And I started writing my feelings on many issues but I thought, not only do I not want to finish this, but I also don’t want to listen to it.“Everybody’s on the same page in terms of fear and division and whatever side of whatever argument you’re on, everyone’s frightened and angry. The album is distracting from, rather than reflecting all the things that everybody is worried about.”We were all sad when Taylor (Hawkins) died. He was such a great person.Good Blood Mexico City is “a love song to the Foo Fighters”. Mentioning his band members – which includes guitarist Mark Potter, bassist Pete Turner, drummer Alex Reeves and keyboardist Craig Potter – Garvey says: “Mark and Pete were playing these incredible rock riffs over this crazy loop and it reminded me of the Foos.“When [original drummer, Richard] Jupp left the band, we’d asked Dave Grohl to drum on a couple of songs and he’d said yes, as did Queen drummer Roger Taylor, but then we met Alex.“And we played Mexico City with the Foos. Al was crazy about Taylor Hawkins and they ended up playing on the kit.“We were all sad when Taylor died. He was such a great person.”Her To Earth was a track presented to Garvey by the band as “bargain basement, Stevie Wonder”.“I looked at Craig and Pete to say, ‘What’s this lads? It’s got this weird 80s horn sample. And they said, ‘It’s fun. Have fun with it.’ So, I wasn’t going to be Mr Not Fun.‘It’s about finding the band’“The chorus offers solace and we have two amazing singers putting their backing vocals on it. It’s my favourite song on the record. It’s testament to the lads pushing me — Craig pushes me particularly and I push him.“And Audio Vertigo is the first album our drummer Al has written with us. And he brings new flavours. He’s been with us for seven years now. Though we were a bit unsure at first as we’ve been doing it this way for more than 30 years.“But he’s a ‘real’ member, he’s in the photos, and the poor b**tard had to sign 5,000 album sleeves last week. He’s got a very quick signature now,” he laughs.Friendship has always been central to Elbow. Garvey, Craig, Mark and Pete all met as teenagers and have played together since 1990.Very Heaven on Audio Vertigo recalls when Garvey was inspired at age 17 and had been kicked out by his mum.By virtue of having a house with no parents in, I had friends around and we were constantly smoking weed and working out who you were and what you thought.“For not attending college,” he states. “Actually, she kicked me out for lying to her. I could have begged and gone back but I thought, f*** that, and I moved into a house with five other people and it was 17 quid a week.“So, you can imagine how salubrious the surroundings were — it was literally falling down at the back. But it was exciting. I don’t think I’ve ever had more sex since! I was so flattered by all this attention.“By virtue of having a house with no parents in, I had friends around and we were constantly smoking weed and working out who you were and what you thought.“But it was an important time and rather than be drop-outs, everyone has gone on to do well and be either a chef, artist, photographer or teacher.“The last verse of that song is about finding the band and finding the friends that I’ve got now.“The line, ‘Smoking, splitting hairs and smashing atoms’ – that’s us. We’d meet at a National Trust car park, park up where nobody could see us and argue, smoke weed and listen to music. And they are my friends to this day.”Two weeks ago, Garvey turned 50 and says it’s made him reflect on what he’s achieved.“A lot of blokes hit 50 and go, What haven’t I done? But I feel quite fulfilled in that department.“I’d like to make another solo album as I rushed the first one. So I’m probably going to take my time and see if I can work with some people that I’ve always wanted to work with. I really want to do a duet with Alison Moyet.”And to celebrate his milestone birthday, Garvey’s friends surprised him with a trip back to Manchester.Garvey says the band were disappointed that the last album only reached No7 in the album charts when their previous three had reached No1Reflecting on what their next tour will be like, he says: ‘Controlling my booze consumption worries me far more than the performances’Credit: suppliedHe says: “My best friend, Peter Jobson from I Am Kloot, picked me up to take me for breakfast, knowing exactly what was going to happen.“Then he pulled out a ticket to Manchester from Euston, and when I got to town, all me mates were waiting in the pub. It was great, we got spannered. And then got spannered all the next day too. Two days on the drink and I was f**ked for a week.”Reflecting on what their next tour will be like, he says: “Controlling my booze consumption worries me far more than the performances. And also sleeping on tour buses with our 50-year-old bodies — I might need a back crack after a few days.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No, we are buzzing. These are really exciting songs and we can’t wait to play them live. We haven’t played for a year and a half, so playing the old stuff, will be something too. We just can’t wait.”Audio Vertigo is out todayCredit: PAELBOWAudio Vertigo★★★★☆ More

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      Huge 90s RnB singer unrecognisable 31 years after smash hit and quitting fame for normal job

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      A HUGE RnB singer looks pretty unrecognisable, 31 years after her smash hit. Since taking the music scene by storm decades ago, she has since quit fame in favour of a normal job. Sybil was known for her hit songs in the ninetiesCredit: YouTube / PWLShe turned her back on face in favour of educationCredit: Instagram / @sybilsingsSybil Lynch – better known simply as Sybil – started recording in 1986 and she released her first single ‘Falling in Love’.Now she’s focussed on spreading her knowledge far and wide, although she still sorts the same signature smile. The 80’s song reached number 30 in the dance charts which kicked off her career. Her first album was a minor hit but she fully hit the mainstream when she covered two of Dionne Warwick’s hits. READ MORE ON THE NINETIESShe released two covers of ‘Don’t Make Me Over’ and ‘Walk On By’ released in 1989 and 1990 respectively.The former track reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, 19 in the UK and it was a number one hit in New Zealand. Her second self-titled album was also a hit, reaching number three in New Zealand and had a peak position of 21 in the UK Albums Chart. January of 1993 saw her biggest hit in the UK when she released ‘The Love I Lost’.Most read in MusicThe song reached number three in the UK, number 5 in the Netherlands, and number nine in Ireland. Her follow-up to this, ‘When I’m Good and Ready’, also achieved significant success where it peaked at number five. Nineties popstar, 60, looks unrecognisable 32 years after Brit Award and breast cancer battleHowever, the singer seemed to have become disillusioned with the industry by 1997 when she terminated her record contract. She kept working at first by touring and releasing tracks aimed at the club market, before embarking on a complete career change. The hit singer transferred to the education sector where she taught the art of lyric and songwriting composition as well as creative writing. She later became a program director at the Guilford Technical Community College in North Carolina in the city of Greensboro.It also happens that she’s is also the cousin of Maxine Jones from the hit nineties girl group En Vogue. The star achieved global success when she covered multiple tracks from Dionne WarwickCredit: YouTube / PWLShe later chose to teach lyric and songwriting compositionCredit: Instagram / @sybilsingsShe now leads educational programmes in North CarolinaCredit: Instagram / @sybilsings More

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      Radio 1 breakfast show star reveals he’s quit job with Greg James – after FIFTEEN years on air

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      RADIO 1 breakfast show star Chris Sawyer has revealed he’s quit his job with Greg James – after FIFTEEN years on air.The co-producer took to Instagram to confirm the news with fans.Chris Sawyer has quit Radio 1Credit: SuppliedThe star appeared on Greg James’ showRadio 1 fans will be devastated to know that Chris’ last show will be tomorrow. Chris said on X: “It’s my last week at Radio 1! “I’ve been involved with more nonsense than I ever thought it would be possible to fit into a quick 15 years. “Friday will be my last show with Greg and the Breakfast team before I run off to a whole new world of mischief.”Read more on Radio 1Fans rushed to reply to his tweet to say how much he will be missed.One said: “Ah 15 years is a great run at the best job! Look forward to hearing about the next adventure!”Another added: “omg what! Chris you absolute legend. Not a term to be used lightly. xx.”A third chimed in: “Congrats on an amazing run Chris, I’m sure your next chapter will be just as exciting and creative.”Most read in Showbiz”Chris! This week has been emotional enough ffs. The show won’t be the same without. Best of luck in your new venture,” a fourth chimed in.Breakfast with Greg James airs weekdays from 7 until 10.30am.The real reason Radio 1’s Greg James snubbed the Brit Awards as he leaves fans in tearsChris then shared some of his favourite moments while working with Greg. Those include his first ever hug with co-producer Greg while on air, floating on a giant jigsaw in water, playing Radio 1 Hide & Seek and going off air for a whole five minutes. Who has left Radio 1 over the years?
      Jordan North – The I’M A Celeb star left earlier this year (2024) and has been replaced by Jamie Laing.
      Adele Roberts – The Dancing On Ice legend left the Beeb in June 2023.
      Scott Mills and Chris Stark – The popular duo left Radio 1 in August 2022.
      Nick Grimshaw – In August 2021, Nick decided to leave Radio 1 after joining in 2007.
      Annie Mac – The DJ left a month before Nick after 17 years.
      Dev Griffin – The star decided to pack his bags and move over to Heart FM in December 2020.
      MistaJam and Toddla – The two left in September 2020.
      Alice Levine – The presenter also quit Radio 1 in August 2020.
      Maya Jama – The Love Island host left Radio 1 after two years in May 2020.
      Charlie Sloth – The radio star said goodbye to the channel in 2018.

      Last month it was revealed that Jordan North quit his role at Radio 1 – and has been replaced by Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing. Shortly after The Sun exclusively revealed Jordan’s big move to join Capital FM after 10 years with the Beeb.The I’m A Celeb star has replaced Roman Kemp on Capital Breakfast.Jamie started co-hosting the Going Home Show on March 4. More