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      ‘We were a curious mixture of   ambitious & self-conscious,’ Keane’s Tom Chaplin opens up ahead of 20th anniversary

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      “WHEN I see old footage of myself from those days I think, ‘That guy really doesn’t know what he’s doing’.”Over lunch in a country pub in Sussex, singer Tom Chaplin is reminiscing about the early days of Keane.Jesse Quin, Richard Hughes, Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin are heading out on their 20th anniversary tourCredit: Alex LakeBack in the early days, Tom, Tim and Richard in2004Credit: AlamyTim, Tom and Richard in enjoying the weather in Amsterdam in 2004Credit: AlamyHe says: “We were a curious mixture of being ambitious, with idols who were very big and successful bands and, at the same time, we were self-conscious, self-deprecating and very unsure of ourselves.“Thank God there wasn’t social media back then.”Nodding in agreement, keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley says: “I cringe too, and we were never organised about how we presented ourselves. We did what came instinctively, but it was such a ride.”Next week, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut album, Hopes And Fears, they will put out a special reissue, and tonight they kick off their world tour at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.READ MORE ON KEANEChaplin, Rice-Oxley, drummer Richard Hughes and bassist Jesse Quin, who officially joined the band in 2007, are looking forward to being out on the road again.“Touring was very different to how it is today,” says Chaplin. “For the first Hopes And Fears tour we rented a van and I had loads of cushions stacked up around me in the back to stop the equipment falling on top of me.I remember we played our first gig in Amsterdam and I thought ‘Wow, we’ve gone international’.“It wasn’t very safe but when you’re that age, you don’t give a s**t.“Tim and Richard were at the front sharing the driving as I was too young to drive the van. I couldn’t snooze either as I had to make sure the driver was awake.Most read in Music“I remember we played our first gig in Amsterdam and I thought ‘Wow, we’ve gone international’.”Their dream back then was to one day play arenas.Huge 90s and 00s band release first new music for five years after global fame and 13m record sales Rice-Oxley says: “We thought that might only happen after ten years, though. In those days we were excited to be playing the [London pub and venue] Bull And Gate.“I remember in 2004 we played the Kentish Town Forum, which is about 2,000 capacity, and we thought that was massive.“We thought of it as a process that we were starting and this was the first step, but more and more people kept turning up to our gigs.”Early songs written for the album included She Has No Time, This Is The Last Time and Bedshaped, but it was only when original guitarist Dominic Scott left in 2001, that Keane found their piano-driven sound.Rice-Oxley recalls: “We desperately wanted to be Radiohead and Dominic wanted us to be U2.” The Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter, who had turned down an invitation to be Coldplay’s keyboardist in 1997, adds: “We were a guitar band and I was the bass player, but I only learned the bass to be in the band.“Keyboards are where I felt most comfortable. It took us a while to find our way together as we were still very young at that point.”Emotional reachChaplin adds: “We were a very conventional guitar band. Like a lot of other indie bands that were on the circuit at the time. But then Dominic left and the new sound became a signature of what we were like.“It seemed that not having a guitarist was a brilliantly conceived plan, but it was just by necessity. The piano was doing so much of the work that a guitar would normally do.“When Dominic left, it forced our hands into doing something more unconventional.”It was signing a record deal with Island Records in the summer of 2003 that “unlocked a whole other layer,” says Chaplin. “It went from nobody really being interested to Steve Lamacq playing the Fierce Panda Records single of Everybody’s Changing on the radio and then it was doing the tour of all the labels and then they were schmoozing us.”The head of the label told us they expected us to sell a million records by the end of the year. We thought they were having a laugh.How do Keane feel the tracks on Hopes And Fears have aged?Chaplin says: “The songs on Hopes And Fears have a grand and far-reaching quality to them. They’re classic songs with an emotional reach.“Back then hearing it on the radio piped across the airwaves, it sounded great.“It made us think, maybe we do deserve a place at the table.“I remember when I first heard This Is The Last Time thinking this is a real step-up for Tim’s writing.”Rice-Oxley adds: “I remember writing Everybody’s Changing at my mum and dad’s and doing this Thom Yorke-esque whining over the top, and then our publisher loved it and told me to finish that one so that was our homework.”Island bosses could see Keane’s potential even if the band couldn’t quite believe what they were being told.Chaplin admits: “The head of the label told us they expected us to sell a million records by the end of the year.“We thought they were having a laugh. But they clearly knew what they were talking about.”Singles Somewhere Only We Know and Bend And Break helped Hopes And Fears became the second best-selling album of 2004, behind the Scissor Sisters. It went nine times platinum and was the ninth highest-selling album of the 21st century in the UK, also earning itself a Brit Award for Best Album.Rice-Oxley says: “It didn’t feel at all real. The label knew after the first day it was going to be massive.“I remember one exec saying, ‘Oh by the way, the album has already gone platinum’. After the first day.”By that point the band had been together almost ten years, having formed while still at school in 1995. Chaplin says: “It was a very heady feeling. People thought we’d suddenly just arrived fully formed, but it was after years of being s**t. We’d learned how to get better.“We were used to bad news and knockbacks, so to be bombarded with all this good news felt absurd and surreal.”Rice-Oxley cites the 2004 Glastonbury Festival and going to the US as favourite memories from the album’s release.He says: “Glastonbury was such a big deal because you could see people in the crowd, which you can’t in a dark venue. They were definitely there. And going to America we were meeting all these names because we were signed to Interscope.”BulletproofChaplin says: “We got schmoozed by [label founder] Jimmy Iovine and hung out with Trent Reznor at his house.”Rice-Oxley refers to this as the “golden period” when Keane could do no wrong. But they found it tough when criticism inevitably came their way.Chaplin says: “The way people laid into us for being posh and calling us bedwetters is funny now, but back then we were thin-skinned.“What does music for bedwetters even mean?“I think we were true to ourselves and people thought we were posher than we were.I remember the first time I’d heard anything bad about us… the reviewer said, ‘I am sick of bands who want to be another Radiohead’.“I was criticised because of the way I looked and it’s something you only get better at dealing with with age. We weren’t bulletproof then and were much more sensitive.”Rice-Oxley adds: “It’s all about wanting validation. You’re on the radio, on TV and even in the cool magazines then suddenly you reach critical mass and people turn on you.“I remember the first time I’d heard anything bad about us, I was sat listening to a radio roundtable with my mum and dad and the reviewer said, ‘I am sick of bands who want to be another Radiohead’.“We were fair game.”Chaplin, who in the past struggled with drug addiction, added: “For me, there was a dangerous cocktail of stuff that happened so fast.“I was so insecure and thought the success of the band would fix the way I felt inside. In some ways, it does. But it’s temporary.“As well as the adulation, there’s also the paranoia. I remember thinking everywhere I went that people were talking or laughing about me, which is unnerving.” As well as dark times, there has been plenty of fun along the way.Chaplin says: “We’ve had loads of high points, Live 8 was pretty mad. Macca at the side of the stage singing along and then touring with U2 and the Grammy’s after party, which was mad.“I was holding court with Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Dr Dre and Green Day. I may have been a bit pissed and talking absolute crap but it was fun.”Special magicRice-Oxley says: “Whenever we go out together, we are laughing and now it’s the best time to be in Keane. We all feel good about the band.”Songs from Hopes And Fears are still a huge part of Keane’s live shows, but not just the biggest hits.Chaplin says: “I love Bend And Break. It’s our battle cry. It reminds me of not being sure of what was going to happen with the band.”Bedshaped is particularly special to Rice-Oxley, who says: “It takes me back to when we were playing bigger shows. You’d have groups of big lads, like the football fans, and they loved Bedshaped.“They’d have their arms around each other at the end of the gig. Slightly scary-looking dudes all bellowing at the top of their lungs and crying. I love that. There is something about that song that has a light to it.” Chaplin adds: “There’s always been a special magic to Keane through Tim’s writing and my singing. And I’m singing better than ever.Streaming has opened our music to a younger audience. When I look out there’s a new layer of fans. And there are about 100 new songs already.“Friendship is central to this band and the difficult times, the fallouts, the resentments — a lot of the baggage has been offloaded.“I can really see why so many bands implode but my friendship with Tim is such a fundamental relationship in my life.”It’s been five years since Keane released comeback album Cause And Effect, after a four-year hiatus. Is a new album on the horizon?Chaplin answers: “We were slightly circumspect about doing 20 years of Hopes And Fears as we are slightly cautious about nostalgia.Next week, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut album, Hopes And Fears, they will put out a special reissueCredit: Alamy’I remember we played our first gig in Amsterdam and I thought ‘Wow, we’ve gone international,’ says TomCredit: Alamy“Streaming has opened our music to a younger audience. When I look out there’s a new layer of fans. And there are about 100 new songs already.”Rice-Oxley adds: “As much as we’d love to make another album, we are too busy touring. And I’m always very torn because I feel a lot of imposter syndrome. I never think, ‘I’m just going to pop in the studio and turn out a couple more hits’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESChaplin smiles: “That’s the thing with Tim, though, he always does.”
      Keane’s UK tour starts tonight at Leeds First Direct Arena, playing two nights at London’s O2 on May 10 and 11. Keane’s 20 Hopes And Fears album is released on May 10.
      Hopes And Fears album is released on May 10Credit: Alex LakeKEANEHopes And Fears (20th anniversary)★★★★★ More

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      Huge Game Of Thrones star joins dating app in a bid to find love after string of failed celebrity romances

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      UNLUCKY-in-love Alfie Allen is trying his luck on Raya in a bid to find himself a new girlfriend.A pal of mine spotted the Game Of Thrones actor on the celebrity dating app, where he revealed he was in London and looking for someone to go out with.Game of Thrones star Alfie Allen is trying his luck on Raya in a bid to find himself a new girlfriendCredit: instagram/Alfie AllenAlfie’s profile shows him posing for a selfie with a meerkat, along with a sweet snap of him as a kid and one of his dog, Ata.Any women who date the star might even be whisked off to his favourite haunt which, according to his Raya profile, is In-N-Out Burger in Hollywood.Alfie counts actress Jaime Winstone, artist Antonia Showering and DJ Allie Teilz, the mother of his little girl, among his exes. He was previously linked to US star Anna Kendrick after they were photographed together in Las Vegas.She went on to shoot down any suggestion they were an item, telling fans: “This has been hilarious and all but, nope. My apologies to Mr Allen, who must be equally confused.”READ MORE ON ALFIE ALLENAnd flattered, I’m sure.Cat in the hat, and little elseDoja Cat was spotted in a furry hat and little else in New YorkCredit: SplashShe wore a horse’s tail at Coachella so it’s only natural Doja Cat is now wearing a lion’s mane.The singer, who kicks off her UK tour in Glasgow on June 11, was spotted in a furry hat and little else in New York. She revealed plans to move into acting after growing up near a kids’ theatre school.On Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show in the US she said: “I just was around them enough to absorb their life force energy.Most read in Bizarre“It would have to be a John Wick situation where I never die.”Game of Thrones stars Alfie Allen and Iwan Rheon kiss and make upBrit settles divorceThey were married for just 14 months before splitting up last August.Now Britney Spears has officially ended her third marriage, this time to actor Sam Asghari, by reaching a divorce settlement.They are waiting for a judge to sign off the completed paperwork after striking a deal over their separation.It is sad news for Brit, who certainly hasn’t had an easy time of it recently.But the silver lining is that her estimated £50million fortune should be safe, as the pair signed a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot.That said, she is thought to have paid his rent on his new Los Angeles bachelor pad after he moved out of her mansion in the city.There were allegations she cheated on him and also abused him, after he was spotted with a black eye, but she never commented on the claims.I sincerely hope she hasn’t had to pay him any more cash, given she has only just had to fork out millions to cover her father’s legal fees to settle her conservatorship case.This week it was revealed she is burning through her bank balance with luxury holidays to French Polynesia and Hawaii.While I’d always argue that you should enjoy money while you have it, I just hope she isn’t spending for the sake of it.Stereophonics star Kelly Jones has recorded a concert, which will be available on iPlayer, where he plays alongside the National Orchestra of WalesCredit: KIRSTEN MCTERNANStereophonics star Kelly Jones will be baring his soul as he performs in a BBC special tonight.He has recorded a concert, which will be available on iPlayer, where he plays alongside the National Orchestra of Wales.Kelly – who couldn’t stop grinning as he played in my exclusive picture from the show, left – will open up about his life and career in a documentary which will be available after the concert show goes live.It’ll be a must-watch for the band’s fans.I’ll Bey getting off here, driverPrivate jet loving Beyonce shared a pic of herself riding on an airport busCredit: beyonce.comShe might like to travel on private jets but Beyonce can be just like us, as she shares this snap of herself riding on an airport bus.I’m pretty sure Bey used a whole bottle of anti-bac to wash her hands after touching that greasy pole but she looked pretty at home sat in her seat like us norms.She shared the photo on Instagram after a quick trip to Japan with husband Jay Z, sightseeing and eating as much sushi as they could.Other snaps showed her back on her private jet.Well, you wouldn’t expect her to slum it for more than five minutes, could you?Dua Lipa’s album aside, there are a load of new releases to ­listen to today, including Becky Hill’s ­latest tune Right Here.Leigh-Anne Pinnock has dropped her reggae-infused track Forbidden Fruit while exciting ­Indonesian pop star Niki, has released Too Much Of A Good Thing.Purple Disco Machine is back for a major collaboration with Chic’s Nile Rodgers, Swedish star ­Benjamin Ingrosso and Shenseea, called Honey Boy. Then there’s British singer Bellah Mae’s single Hell & Never Back, fresh from supporting Caity Baser on tour.And Nineties boy band 5ive should watch out because they have competition. A new Japanese girl group called F5ve has launched with a debut ­single, Lettuce –  hopefully not a tribute to Liz Truss.TikTok music feud is overDrake’s fans will be able to see him and other huge stars back on the platform after TikTok and Universal Music Group ended their feudCredit: GettyThe feud between Universal Music Group and TikTok has ended – with a brand new deal which will see some of the label’s biggest artists back on the platform.Acts including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Drake, above, had their tunes taken off TikTok from February after the contract between them expired.The row was embedded in the fight back against AI, with Universal keen to improve conditions for their artists.READ MORE SUN STORIESYesterday TikTok confirmed they had struck an agreement, with the company vowing to tackle fakery – saying: “We will work together to make sure that AI tools are developed responsibly to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement while protecting human creativity.”It will take a while to get the music back online but this is great news for both the artists and their fans. More

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      Music that will help you feel Youngr

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      MANCHESTER electronic music producer Youngr went viral with his one-take videos of dance-floor-friendly bootlegs.The multi-instrumentalists’ take on The Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition hit more than 15 million views in less than two weeks.[embedded content]After releasing music on huge record labels, Youngr decided to take the power back and now operates under his own Blue Llama imprint, on which he has just released his new album Let The Music Guide Us.CLICK OR TAP ARTWORK TO STREAM YOUNGR – LET THE MUSIC GUIDE US ON SPOTIFYThe first single from the album, Tried So Hard takes a Linkin Park classic on an immersive house trip.[embedded content]As he tours the UK, we caught up with him and he’s compiled a playlist of music that inspires him.Simply Red – FairgroundThis track basically inspires every song I write. Simply Red are one of my biggest inspirations of all time. I remember it was around 1996, I was in the car with my mum driving to the shops and Fairground came on and I was like “what’s this!” At that time the only way I could get my hands on the record was going to the local library, luckily I found it on cassette, ran home, recorded it onto another cassette and played that track on repeat.[embedded content]RÜFÜS DU SOL – On my kneesThis production on this song is just outrageous. RÜFÜS DU SOL are masters at evoking deep emotion through their sound. I already had a lot of admiration for this track, but seeing RÜFÜS DU SOL live and experiencing this track live, cemented ‘On My Knees’ as one of the sickest dance tracks of all time for me.[embedded content]Calvin Harris – Flashback Most read in MusicI don’t know if the old school Calvin Harris sound gets the full credit it deserves, but that era where performed his own vocals and with a full band was truly epic. The whole Ready for the Weekend album is incredible, but Flashback will always be a stand out track for. It was the first track that I remixed, and it essentially spurred me on to create the idea of Youngr![embedded content]Delirium – SilenceWhat a tune! The definition of a classic and an absolute masterclass in the power of a strong vocal hook. That 90s trance still goes off even two decades later.[embedded content]Faithless – Become OneAnother group who has had a big influence on my sound is Faithless. Maxi Jazz’s vocals on Become One are pure perfection, that synth is just godly and the whole composition is amazing. It’s an all-time favourite of mine for sure.[embedded content]Chemical Brothers – GoodbyeI’m not alone in saying the Chemical Brothers are a constant source of inspiration for fellow musicians and humans everywhere! What a track Goodbye is, I mean that synth line is just insane. What a band and what a catalogue of music.[embedded content]Booka Shade – In White Rooms I first heard this tune whilst I was out in a club in Berlin, I must have been around 18 years old at the time and it melted my brain. It’s a simple track but the arrangement is design to get completely lost in and I’ve certainly tried to channel that hypnotic feeling into some of my own productions over the years.[embedded content]Deadmau5, Kaskade – I RememberI’ve always loved this tune. The warmth of the production is like a big friendly hug, and paired with the ethereal delivery of the vocals, it’s a superb combo and a real summer anthem.[embedded content]The Streets – Weak Become Heroes I’m not kidding when I say this whole album changed my childhood. It opened my ears to different styles of production and showed me there are no limits on creativity. That line in the 2nd verse “as the piano loops over, arms wave, eyes roll back and jaws fall open, I see in soft focus…” it’s just one of those lines that I’ll remember forever.READ MORE SUN STORIESStardust – Music Sounds BetterThis tune is just an absolute feel-good belter. The groove, the bass, the electro twang, just the whole feel of the song speaks to my soul. It’s always a feeling I try to achieve with my own music, and I hope people feel that.[embedded content] More

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      Model Irina Shayk goes nearly-nude to promote quirky Marc Jacobs boots

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      SUPERMODEL Irina Shayk is looking for a sole mate — and this bootiful photoshoot could be the right platform.The 38-year-old wore just a pair of white pants to promote Marc Jacobs’ range of oversized footwear, which sell for £1,800 a pair.Irina Shayk models a pair of Marc Jacobs oversized footwearCredit: Carin Backoff/Trunk ArchiveThe quirky boots sell for £1,800 a pairCredit: Carin Backoff/Trunk ArchiveThe lace-up Kiki Boots, created by Alastair McKimm, come in four bright colours.Irina had a high profile romance with NFL star Tom Brady, 46, last summer, but friends said they split at the start of this year and she is on the hunt for a new man.Earlier this week, sources claimed action hero Tom Cruise, 61, could be on her list of potential suitors.An insider added: “She needs ‘Famous, Good-looking and Money’.READ MORE MODEL NEWSHow many of those are there? Five, ten?”She previously dated Hollywood star Bradley Cooper, 49, and they have daughter Lea, seven.Irina says Brad is the “best dad”.Sounds like big shoes to fill.Most read in CelebrityIrina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova – professionally known as Irina Shayk – was born in Russia on January 6, 1986.She is a model and television personality best known for being one of the faces of Victoria’s Secret and, more recently, Rihanna’s buzzing lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.Marcus Rashford has started dating stunning catwalk model Erica Correa, The Sun can revealHowever, the model has grown globally and walked the runway for fashion brands including Fendi, Chanel, Tory Burch, Vivienne Westwood, and more.She also never fails to grace the covers of magazines like Vogue, Bazaar, and Allure.Due to her high success in the fashion world, Shayk has accumulated quite a fortune.Her net worth is believed to be around $25million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. More

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      British girl band legend and stunning reality TV favourite sign up for gruelling Bear Grylls’ Netflix show

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      It’s a telly show that is finally getting me excited again, with Netflix sending a group of celebrities deep into the Costa Rican jungle where they will be hunted down by Bear Grylls.The casting producers have gone all out to secure some decent names for Bear Hunt, which is being hosted by Holly Willoughby.I can exclusively reveal Saturdays singer Una Healy will be taking part in Bear HuntCredit: GettyKate Moss’ half-sister Lottie has also signed up to take part in the seriesCredit: GettyNetflix is sending a group of celebrities deep into the Costa Rican jungle where they will be hunted down by Bear GryllsCredit: GettyI can exclusively reveal Saturdays singer Una Healy and Kate Moss’ half-sister Lottie have both signed up to take part in the series, alongside Mel B, Shirley Ballas and Danny Cipriani.Insiders told me the pair signed big-money deals to take part with Bear.And over the weekend, I found myself queuing next to Una in the world’s longest, and hottest, immigration line at Houston’s international airport — as she caught a connecting flight on to South America and I headed off to do an interview with Ronnie Wood.A source said: “Netflix have chucked a serious amount of money at Bear Hunt and they have worked hard to get celebrities you might not expect to find in the Costa Rican jungle.READ MORE ON BEAR HUNT“Una has signed up to try and show a different side to her.“People know her for the Saturdays, and for her short-lived fling with David Haye. Taking part in Bear Hunt will show a side of her that the public haven’t seen before.“Lottie is very much signed on for the same reason.“She has become a celebrity in her own right and has a really interesting backstory.Most read in Bizarre“Lottie is a tough cookie and while she is very glamorous, she loves to get her hands dirty and will put everything into succeeding on Bear Hunt.”After bumping into Una inside Houston airport, where she was heading to Costa Rica with TV’s Big Zuu, she, like me, looked pretty knackered after the ten-hour flight from London.Bear Hunt is being hosted by Holly WilloughbyCredit: instagram/Holly WilloughbyUna Healy wows fans with ‘top class’ rendition of famous song as everyone says ‘we want an album’ But she has got a bit of time to relax now as she is holed up in a very nice hotel in the country with the other stars.They will be topping up their tans by the pool and getting some rest before having to rough it in the jungle.I hope they enjoy the complimentary toiletries and mini bar while they can.Anya and Chris need rain MaxAnya Taylor-Joy promoting her new film Furiosa: A Mad Max SagaCredit: GettyAnya has replaced Charlize Theron as Furiosa in the movieCredit: EPAAnya with co-star Chris Hemsworth in SydneyCredit: GettyRain didn’t stop play for Anya Taylor-Joy as she promoted her new film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.She has replaced Charlize Theron as Furiosa in the movie and was photographed dodging puddles with her co-star Chris Hemsworth.Despite the showers, Anya looked immaculate in an off-the-shoulder top and burgundy mermaid-style skirt.The pair were in Circular Quay in Sydney, for their ongoing press tour.Thor actor Chris looked back on form following a nasty knee injury he picked up during filming for Extraction 2 and said working on the new Mad Max film got him back to his best.He added: “As soon as I got to rehearsals, everything lifted. I just got reinvigorated.“Suffering without a purpose is awful. Suffering with purpose can be rejuvenating and replenishing.”I’ll tell my boyfriend that the next time he tries to throw a sickie when he’s got man flu.Kendrick Lamar has gone to war with Drake in a brutal six-minute takedown called Euphoria, weeks after the Canadian dropped his own diss track called Push Ups.While Drake mocked his rival’s height, Kendrick has got far more personal in his new song, calling him a “scam artist”, “mass manipulator” and “liar,” as well as saying he’s a bad father.The song, which has been released on YouTube, also sees him mock Drake for using an A.I. version of Tupac on Push Ups, with Kendrick saying it would make the late rapper “turn in his grave”.As if all of that wasn’t clear enough, he raps: “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress.”Something tells me he isn’t a fan.Damon rakes in £16,000 a dayDamon Albarn has been banking a fortune thanks to his work with Gorillaz, making £16,205 a day, according to his accountsCredit: GettyThree decades have passed since the wild days of Britpop but Blur’s Damon Albarn is still raking it in.I can reveal the singer has been banking a fortune thanks to his work with Gorillaz, making £16,205 a day according to his latest set of accounts.Documents filed at Companies House for March 2022 to 2023 show he made £5.9million in profits with his firms G Tour LLP and Humanz LLP. In total, his firms have assets of £10.4million after he set them up the in 2017.Damon will have made even more money in the past 12 months, given Blur reunited for sell-out shows at Wembley Stadium and had a No1 album. The Ballad Of Darren.He was furious last month when the band performed at Coachella in California and dimwits in the crowd refused to sing along to some of Blur’s biggest hits.I wouldn’t worry about that, Damon.With earnings like these rolling in, you never need to bother with gigs like those again.Zayn’s sell-out returnZayn Malik has announced a one-off show at the 2,000-capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London for May 17Credit: GettyGood news for Zayn Malik . he is finally returning to the stage.The former One Direction star has announced a one-off show at the 2,000-capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London for May 17, which is the same day his fourth album Room Under The Stairs is released.It is a major U-turn for the singer who hasn’t performed live in eight years. When Zayn went solo in 2016, he played a short set at a festival in California and sang on The Voice USA.But minutes before he was due to headline Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium that year, he pulled out, citing his crippling anxiety.Anyone hoping to grab tickets will have to pre-order his new album through the link on his social accounts, which have all the details.Rizzle Kicks singer Jordan Stephens got so drunk at one of Nick Grimshaw’s parties before V Festival that he missed his alarm and had to go on stage still half cut.Jordan said on the Red Carpet Treatment podcast that he got buzzed by one of his security team and was driven in a van to the gig. He added: “I got woken up, put on stage, 60,000 people.”Dating disasters for DuaDua Lipa has confessed to have been in relationships that have been ‘hurtful’Credit: APEven Dua Lipa has been hurt by blokes in the past – so I despair at the chances for the rest of us.The Illusion singer dated celebrity chef Isaac Carew and model Anwar Hadid before meeting current boyfriend, actor Callum Turner.Dua, right, said: “I think I’ve had relationships which have been really hurtful, especially earlier on, where I feel like I’ve been made to feel not good enough, or have made me lose my confidence.”On Apple Music 1, she added: “You learn about your own non-negotiables – that’s an important thing. It’s of course the right person, but it’s really about the right relationship. I want someone who’s loyal, open and honest, and that’s what I’m willing to be as well in return.“You figure out what those things are for you.”Lucy: Pal Si is best manLucy Spraggan with girlfriend Emilia SmithCredit: InstagramWith X Factor pal Simon Cowell walking her down the aisle, Lucy Spraggan is in good hands.Her wedding is only weeks away and Lucy told me that she is counting down the days until she ties the knot with girlfriend Emilia Smith.She said: “The wedding is in East Yorkshire, Simon will have to get the chopper over. I’m getting married in a month, well, 49 days.”Of Simon, who has become a close friend, she added: “He’s definitely a male role model that I look up to a lot and fills a lot of gaps in my life. He’s just a really great guy.”Chatting with me at Diva’s 30th anniversary party, Lucy also spoke about her relationship with another great man in her life, Robbie Williams.She opened for him when he played at Sandringham last year and they have since created a reworking of her 2021 song Sober.Lucy said: “Robbie is a role model of mine and an inspiration.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The song is going to be re-released as a duet with Robbie, which is a pinch-me moment. I never in my wildest dreams thought that would happen.“I hope in some way he relates to the lyrics as well. I wrote the song a week into being sober and I wrote it to remind myself why I was making that decision, so it’s a good foundation.” More

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      Rock frontman reveals ‘homecoming’ tour in UK after ‘leaving things unsaid’ about band’s savage break-up 15 years ago

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      LEGENDARY frontman Richard Ashcroft is heading back out on tour – 15 years since his break-up from The Verve. During the height of the Britpop era in the 90s, The Verve charmed audiences with hits including Bittersweet Symphony and The Drugs Don’t Work. The Verve were one of the most defining British bands of the 90sCredit: GettyRichard Ashcroft is heading on a homecoming tour later this yearCredit: Getty – ContributorSince their break-up in 1999, Richard Ashcroft has arguably seen the most success from his efforts, releasing six albums since 2000, all of which made it into the UK Top 5. In 2019 he was recognised by the Ivor Novellos for his outstanding contribution to music. Now, the Wigan native is heading back on the road again – with massive dates on his home turf. “After 25 years, I’m back playing in my hometown,” Richard said. “Looking forward to an amazing night inWigan.”READ MORE MUSICThe star will be playing two dates at Wigan’s Robin Park on Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July. Cast, Redrum and Maxwell Varey will support him on Saturday, with The Zutons, The Royston Club and Stanleys supporting him on Sunday. Tickets to Saturday’s show has already sold out, prompting them to add the second date. With the release of their 1997 album Urban Hymns, the group – with Ashcroft as front man, guitarist Nick McCabe, bass guitarist Simon Jones and drummer Peter Salisbury – became international success stories. Most read in MusicThey won Brit awards for best British band, were nominated for a Grammy for Bittersweet Symphony and even knocked Oasis off the number one spot in the UK charts. However, just two years later the band had bitterly split, with physical fights among their numerous issues. After one fight in Dusseldorf, McCabe quit the band while they were on tour, and after that the band began to fizzle out – suffering a further setback when Massive Attack pulled out of their US tour. Officially breaking up in 1999, the band since made attempts to reunite, but largely found success with their own solo projects. When asked if they would ever reform, Ashcroft joked: “You’re more likely to get all four Beatles on stage.”However, they did reunite from 2007 to 2009 before going their separate ways again. None of the band have ever given a definitive answer behind their break-up, with Ashcroft acknowledging to NME that there were “things left unsaid” back in 2018. “If you wanted me to give clarity on why or what was the main factor, what I’d be doing was changing… I made a decision quite a number of years ago that I’d see how it pans out,” he told Radio X.“I’ll see if any other member tries to re-write history, you know. I’ll see how many bizarre takes on events stack up and then maybe one day I’ll go: ‘You know what? I’ll write the book’.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the same chat, he later added: “There was real people’s lives. It was real emotions, and I’ve never really thought about completely clarifying it because I know the damage that clarifying it will do.“So I am prepared to take any bizarre misshapen f**ked-up version of that reality said by anyone,” he concluded.
      “Any ex member of the band can say what the fuck they like, because I know the truth and I’m cool with it. And I know what I’ve done since the band, and I know what I’ll continue to do. Judge me by my works…”
      The star has been celebrated for his contribution to British musicCredit: Getty Images – GettyAshcroft will be performing two massive hometown shows in JuneCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing – The Sun GlasgowThe band fell apart at the seams in 1999Credit: Getty More

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      Who Is Lucian Grainge? Meet the Universal Music Chief connected to Drake and named the most powerful man in music

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      KNOWN as the most powerful person in the music industry, Lucian Grainge is one of the biggest names when it comes to the business. Here is everything you need to know about the music mogul and what is his connection to Drake and the hip-hop circuit. CEO of Universal Music Group Lucian Grainge was named the Executive of the Decade by Billboard magazineCredit: MegaWho is Lucian Grainge?Born on February 29, 1960, Sir Lucian Charles Grainge CBE is a British record executive and the current CEO of Universal Music Group – the biggest label in the business. Having been in the music industry for more than 45 years, Billboard magazine named him the most powerful person in the music business four times. He was also named as the publication’s first-ever Executive of the Decade in 2020. A native of north London, he became a knight after Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon him the honour in 2016 – on her 90th birthday.more on showbiz Having worked his entire career in the music industry, Grainge has signed and worked with some of the biggest names including Jay Z, Elton John, Queen, Rihanna and Amy Winehouse. The music mogul has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020. What is Lucian Grainge’s net worth?Grainge’s reported net worth is said to be north of $250million. The mogul draws an annual base salary of $5 million – and typically earns $10 million in bonuses.Most read in MusicIn April 2023, Lucian was rewarded with an equity pay package that could ultimately be worth $100 million, Celebrity Net Worth reports. What is Lucian Grainge’s connection to Drake?In 2022, the Universal Musical Group under Grainge’s leadership signed an unprecedented $400million multi-faceted deal with hip-hop star Drake. It included the rapper’s song recordings, publishing, merchandise, and visual media projects.The lucrative deal was described as “LeBron-sized” by an insider, according to Variety.What did Kanye West say about Drake and Lucian Grainge?Kanye West said that Lucian is Drake’s “rich baby daddy.”In an interview with Justin Laboy on The Download podcast he premiered a remix of Metro Boomin and Future’s Like That.One of Drake’s singles from his album, For All the Dogs, is called Rich Baby Daddy.”Drake has a rich baby daddy, named Lucian [Grainge] and Universal,” West said. “He’s like, ‘My daddy got it. My daddy control the spins. My daddy got the DSPs. Drake has a rich baby daddy named Lucian.” More

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      Towie’s Tommy Mallet ‘couldn’t afford petrol’ before making £6m fortune… but now says he has ‘nothing financially’

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      THIS time last year, he had a multi-million pound business, a customised Ferrari and holiday home in Majorca.But TOWIE star Tommy Mallet has said he has “nothing financially” and is “starting from scratch” after been forced to “sell everything” over a massive tax bill.Tommy Mallet has been forced to ‘sell everything’ after a massive tax billCredit: InstagramIt comes after Tommy and wife Georgia Kousoulou suffered a devastating miscarriageCredit: InstagramTommy was bullied at school over his trainersCredit: instagram/tommymalletThe self-made businessman, who grew up on a council estate and was bullied at school for his budget trainers and clothes before becoming a TOWIE favourite, has vowed to bounce back with his new footwear brand after the setback.It follows a year of devastation for dad-of-one Tommy, whose wife Georgia Kousoulou suffered a miscarriage.We reveal how Tommy worked his way up to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, and earned a £6 million fortune thanks to a global footwear brand loved by the likes of Drake and Olly Murs – and how the “four month struggle” left him back at square one.’Tortured’ at schoolTommy grew up on a council estate in North London, and was bullied at school for the clothes he wore.READ MORE SHOWBIZ FEATURESThe businessman said that he was humiliated when he was just 12 because his poverty-stricken family couldn’t afford to buy him fashionable trainers.Struggling with dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD, Tommy was “unable to read and write” in school, and “tortured” by his mind.Speaking about his childhood, he told MailOnline: “I feel like at one point in my life I definitely could have had the potential to go down the wrong path but ultimately, I knew that I wanted to do things the right way and to succeed.”So staying on the right track was important to me.”Most read in CelebrityToo poor for petrolTommy left school with no GCSEs and trained to be a carpenter before joining the cast of TOWIE at the age of 21 – which is where he met his now-wife Georgia.But he still struggled financially when he was first on the ITV reality show – despite looking like a “rich geezer,” wearing a flashy watch.Tommy Mallett shows off incredible £500k custom-built Ferrari with top speed of 192mph after vowing to sell super-cars When he and Georgia first started dating, in 2014, she would even drive him to filming as he couldn’t afford to put petrol in his car.Tommy told the Anything Goes with James English podcast: “I had this big watch on, I was going to these events.”I was like ‘what the f**k am I doing?’ I looked like I’m the b****ks right now, anyone looking at me would think ‘you’re having it off, ain’t you?’Even when Tommy was on TOWIE (third from right), he couldn’t afford petrolCredit: ITVLittle Brody checks out his dad’s Ferrari”I never had a pot to p**s in.”He continued: “I couldn’t pay my gym memberships, I was on the show giving it the bigg’un to people and I must have looked like a rich geezer.”I did not have a f**king pound, I weren’t paying rent at home, I sometimes didn’t have petrol in my car to get to filming.”Georgia had to drive me a few times to work because I never had the money to get there, that’s the reality.”I did not have a f**king pound, I weren’t paying rent at home, I sometimes didn’t have petrol in my car to get to filmingTommy MalletTommy added: “People don’t like admitting that sort of stuff, that’s the reality of what it took.”Forbes’ 30 Under 30Tommy created Mallet due to his poor upbringingCredit: Instagram /@tommy_malletMallet has had £11.8 million in salesCredit: InstagramIt was Tommy’s poor upbringing that actually inspired him to launch his footwear brand Mallet in 2015 – selling shoes known for their metallic heel clip, for around £175 a pair.He said: “When I was younger I never had enough money to buy a pair of trainers that I genuinely liked because they were all so expensive, so I put pen to paper and decided to design something similar.”We went from having a £50k turnover at the end of our first year to having a turnover of around £2.5million towards the end of our second year.”By 2020, the business had clocked up £11.8million in sales, was stocked in 150 stores around the world and was worn by A-listers including Drake, Olly Murs, Craig David, and Will.i.am.In 2021, he even made Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, due to his success, and confessed he prefers to be known for his entrepreneurship than as a reality TV star.We went from having a £50k turnover at the end of our first year to having a turnover of around £2.5million towards the end of our second year.Tommy MalletHe told MailOnline that it’s an “amazing feeling” to walk around Paris during Fashion Week and “90 percent” of people know him for his brand – rather than his TOWIE background.In 2022, Mallet raked in more than £22.3 million after a bumper year which saw sales nearly double, and make a profit of almost £7 million before tax.The sales were up by £10 million on the previous year and it meant that Tommy and his co-owner Evren Ozkarakasli could share a £2.5 million dividend payout up from £1.2 million the year before.With cash and reserves from previous years, his business was left with £9 million – a rise of £3 million, up from £6 million the year before.£1m mansion and £400k FerrariTommy and Georgia were living a very luxurious lifestyle for many yearsCredit: InstagramHe flew in First Class around the worldCredit: InstagramTommy and Georgia spent the next few years in the lap of luxury, buying a holiday home in Majorca, to go alongside the £1million Essex mansion they bought in 2020.Last year, the couple spent five weeks in their luxury villa – which has a huge pool – with their son Brody, who turns three next week.Tommy even splashed out £330,000 on a customised Ferrari in October, followed by a 192mph Ferrari Purosangue in December, which cost a whopping £400,000.The second car was bought despite Tommy insisting he had sold his first Ferrari just two months after purchasing it, in order to appear more down to earth.Recalling his past struggles with fuel, he said: “So when the fuel prices are going up and me putting petrol in the car bruv, it makes no difference to me money-wise.”When I pull up at the petrol station and you’ve got my man struggling to put a tenner in his car to get to work, do I want to be pulling up in the £200K motor jumping out, putting it in the car, jumping back in?”No man, that’s not who I want to be. I want to be relatable. I want to be able to come across as a normal person.”As recent as November last year, Tommy was celebrating a huge win for Mallet after teaming up with the world-famous sportswear brand Reebok.Sharing the news on Instagram, Tommy posted a throwback image of him holding a Mallet shoebox, which then morphed into him holding a stack of trainers he created with Reebok.He wrote in the caption: “I’ve given it my all over the last eight years. This was always something I felt like was needed for Mallet and I wasn’t going to rest until I got it. From the olders I looked up to on Gilera runners (scooters), to my PE teacher having a shiny boot polished black pair, the workout was part of my childhood and part of my culture!”It’s been some journey – I’m ready now. Big thanks to all the team at Reebok and specially Authentic brands group for trusting me with this!”Bouncing back after devastating miscarriageTommy has been selling his assetsCredit: InstagramBut, shortly after, he departed the Mallet brand and offloaded all his assets following a “four month battle”.Writing on Instagram, Tommy said: “It’s probably not over, but as it stands I can work and support my family.”I’ve sold all my assets to defend myself and starting from scratch, but I’ve got some wonderful companies and I will give it my all to get it back so my family can continue living the life I worked so hard to give them.”Tommy added: “Just call me the monk who’s sold his Ferrari for a bit.”I lost the baby. That turned my whole world around and I was like, something needs to changeTommy MalletTommy addressed this during an appearance on the Getting There podcast and also insisted he had “no money”.The Baby Steps reality TV star spoke about his wife Georgia’s heartbreaking miscarriage at the same time which he revealed left him feeling “weak.”He said: “I’ve got nothing financially at the moment.”I basically made an acquisition in January, it was quite a big one and it was to buy some shares back for Mallet.”I put money into Mallet to get my shares back up thinking that I was going to go and basically build the next year, just full force.”And obviously, after seeing you, I lost the baby. That turned my whole world around and I was like, something needs to change.”I basically started from scratch. I’ve got the biggest tax bill ever.”The star has now stepped out on his own to launch a new trainer brand called CTRNE – labelling itself as the “one and only crystal-infused sneaker brand”.The trainers – which sell for around £200 – incorporate citrine crystals which the website claims ” dispel negative energy and self-doubt, creating a mindset of optimism and clarity.”The brand adds that it is “creating footwear that not only elevates style but also empowers the journey towards achieving your dreams.” It currently boasts over 209,000 followers on Instagram.In his latest post, he thanks fans who expressed concerns for his welfare adding: “We are fine mentally but thanks for checking, the next chapters going to be more inspiring then ever.”As wife Georgia hailed his “comeback” he wrote: “I’ve got a point to prove and will make all that I’ve lost back abundantly.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWith his track record, there’s no doubt he’ll be true to his word. More