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      This is the most fired up we’ve been for an album in years, says Kings Of Leon frontman Caleb Followill

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      WHEN Kings Of Leon were in the studio making their ninth album, there was one song that had frontman Caleb Followill convinced they were on to a good thing.He says of the atmospheric Rainbow Ball, a standout track on their new record, Can We Please Have Fun: “I heard Jared playing that bass line and it just had this drive, which I loved.Kings Of Leon started work on new music with Grammy and Brit winning producer Kid Harpoon, known for his work with Harry Styles and Florence And The MachineCredit: SuppliedTalking of Can We Please Have Fun, Jared says: ‘It feels like a new chapter, and it makes us feel like we have many more albums to make’Credit: Supplied“But I had gone to the restroom. So when I heard it, I came running out with my pants still undone and told Nathan to get on the drums and play.“I love the song and its vigour, and whenever inspiration strikes, you got to go for it. Even when you’ve not buttoned your pants!”Caleb and younger brother Jared are holding court in a suite of a Mayfair hotel.They flew in from Nashville a few hours earlier and if there’s any jet lag it’s not on show. They are guzzling electrolyte-infused water (“They need their electrolytes,” their management assistant tells me) while comparing films they watched on the flight with a colleague, who is filming the band’s every move.READ MORE ON THE KINGS OF LEON“It’s the most fired-up we’ve been for an album in a while,” says Caleb. “It feels like a new chapter,” adds Jared. “And it makes us feel like we have many more albums to make because we were allowed to make an album the way we wanted to.”It felt kind of like a big, big rewash. Making the record, we didn’t have a record label. We were independent and it made a difference.With debut album Youth & Young Manhood turning 20 years old last year, it had been suggested the family band — brothers Caleb, Jared, drummer Nathan and cousin Matthew on guitar — should mark this as a celebration.Caleb explains: “It was suggested that we should do an anniversary tour and release a Greatest Hits and add one or two new songs on there.“When that was suggested, we all looked at each other as it scared us. I definitely wasn’t ready for that.Most read in Music“So, I thought we’d just fully commit to making one more great album, and then decide what we were going to do. But this album was a real joy to make and we learned a lot, so now, we can’t wait to make another album.”Moving with manager Andy Mendelsohn to Full Stop Management, home of Harry Styles, Mark Ronson and Travis Scott, in 2019 and leaving their record label gave the band a fresh start. ‘How am I only just realising they’re hot-’ ask rock fans as noughties band join TikTok and look unrecognisable‘ Caleb says: “It felt kind of like a big, big rewash. Making the record, we didn’t have a record label. We were independent and it made a difference.”Jared adds: “I joined the band when I was 15, so we’ve been having day sheets with times on it under our studio doors all of our adult life.”Kings Of Leon started work on new music with Grammy and Brit Award-winning producer Kid Harpoon, known for his work with Harry Styles and Florence And The Machine.Caleb says: “A lot of Kid’s success, or at least his trophies, happened after we’d already started working with him.“Our manager also manages Harry so knew Kid and suggested we try some songs out with him. As soon as we got in the studio with him, it was refreshing.”Jared adds: “When Kid first started off, he was in the indie world but later became known for pop music. We met with him in January 2023 and then the album Harry’s House cleaned up at the Grammys in February.“Working with him, we were always moving forward. Kid would not let us get stagnant on stuff. It was like running across a tightrope. You never stopped and it was exciting.”Rainbow Ball, Don’t Stop The Bleeding, Split Screen, Actual Daydream and Nowhere To Run are all songs that prove the band aren’t ready to call it a day yet.‘Shed old skin’Caleb says: “I love Ballerina Radio. Jared was so fired up about that one. I also love Rainbow Ball, and my wife [supermodel Lily Aldridge] loves and will be livid if Actual Daydream doesn’t find itself as a single.“But Don’t Stop The Bleeding was the first moment when it was like, ‘Alright, I think we’re ready to make an album’.“Every now and then, you got to shed your old skin. We’re not making this for anyone but us. There was a point where we knew it was good and hopefully the world will love it too.“But the point of art isn’t to make something for someone else. I was reading a book that really inspired me when I was writing this record, and I bought copies for everyone. It’s called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. And you read a little bit and you apply it.”My son was wearing a shirt that said Mustang, while my daughter was watching YouTube videos of cats — that’s where the line ‘Are you a Mustang or a kitty’ comes from.The band chose the album title Can We Please Have Fun as it was “so open to interpretation”.Caleb says: “It can be a statement or a question but we’re going to make this record and can we please enjoy this process.“This is a great opportunity for us to show the world who we are as people and how much this actually means to us.”Their families were also a huge influence on the record.Caleb says: “We all have such strong foundations and support systems at home. My family inspired me in every way on this album to just take chances. I really want to make them proud.”Mustang, the first single released from the record, was influenced by Caleb’s two kids, Dixie, 11, and Winston, five.The singer recalls: “My son was wearing a shirt that said Mustang, while my daughter was watching YouTube videos of cats — that’s where the line ‘Are you a Mustang or a kitty’ comes from.“My son hadn’t really reacted to our music before, so I put Mustang in the song to make him flip his s**t. Now friends’ kids always say, ‘Play the Mustang song’, so if nothing else, kids love it.” While his kids are an influence on Caleb’s new music, it is Taylor Swift who has made the biggest impression on daughter Dixie.He says: “Dixie started wearing Kings Of Leon shirts around the house, but Taylor has made her see music differently.“She’s impressed how she can walk in with a guitar and write a song. A new generation are discovering what it’s like to organically make music because of Taylor Swift.”When Kings Of Leon kick off their UK tour in June, the Followill kids will be in tow.Jared, who welcomed his second daughter, Charlotte, on Tuesday, with wife Martha, says: “I’m bringing my family over. We are all renting houses.“I’m excited that the kids are all meeting up and the cousins can all go to the pub and get drunk for the first time as they don’t check IDs in the UK.”When they were younger, the band were as famous for their drunken brawling as their music. Today, life is much calmer.Prepared for DoomsdayCaleb says: “We try to avoid being on the road for three months at a time.“When we were starting, we were like zombies and living on buses and in each other’s hair.”Jared adds: “It was crazy. How did we survive that?“But we’re healthy adults and in a good place. It’s boring, and people want us to still be fighting and drunk.”The brothers agree that the only thing that gets them down these days are negative comments on social media.I feel this album is the most concentration we’ve all had on a singular goal. We are inspired again. This album was a real joy.Jared says: “I read all of it, everything.“I recently read someone say my bass playing sounds like the Home Depot theme song, and that hurt.” Caleb adds: “I see so many great ones, but it’s the one bad comment that will keep me awake at night.“When we released a new song, I typed ‘Kings Of Leon’ into Google and before I’d even typed ‘Leon’, it said, ‘Kings Of Leon singer dead’; ‘Kings Of Leon singer problem’; ‘Kings Of Leon break-up’.“I’m now prepared for Doomsday.”The band are looking forward to playing Hyde Park in summer as the UK holds a special place in their hearts.Caleb says: “We love our fanbase in the UK.“When you have nine albums you want to have fun with the set list, but those big shows you want to give the people what they came for.“You guys had real love for us from the beginning. The UK has always kept us in check.”Jared adds: “The UK appreciates authenticity and, when we first started, we were as authentic as it gets. We were just learning how to play in front of everybody.” Caleb says making Can We Please Have Fun reminded them of the early days without co-writer Angelo Petraglia.He adds: “Like on the second album, Aha Shake Heartbreak, when Angelo had taken a step back and was just a mentor rather than co-writer, we wanted people to know that this was coming from us.“People would always mention Angelo, and I’d be like, ‘What the f***?’. So, that album was about being super-independent and us showing what we were capable of.”Jared adds: “Now we just want to show how well we can play these songs live.“I like playing stuff that fans don’t know, even though it can be a little painful to not get that instant gratification.“We played Mustang in Mexico but played it before Sex On Fire. It was a safety spot because if it doesn’t go over well — boom!”The band has moved with manager Andy Mendelsohn to Full Stop Management, home of Harry Styles, Mark Ronson and Travis ScottCredit: SuppliedThe band has spoken about their love for their UK fanbase ahead of the Hyde Park gig in JuneCredit: GettyThe band have also toyed with the idea of playing shows of just early albums.Jared says: “We talked about it when Youth & Young Manhood turned 20. There was a lot of hair back then so we would have to wear wigs.”Laughing, Caleb adds: “Hair extensions on our bald spots. I get more embarrassed by outfits from five years ago than the moustaches. But we don’t look back now. We have more to give.“I want my kids to not be able to escape my memory because our music has been ingrained.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I feel this album is the most concentration we’ve all had on a singular goal. We are inspired again. This album was a real joy.”Can We Please Have Fun is out todayKINGS OF LEONCan We Please Have Fun★★★★☆ More

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      Noughties rock band announce huge 25th anniversary UK gig after eagerly-anticipated reunion

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      A NOUGHTIES rock band has announced that they are planning a comeback to coincide with their 25 year anniversary.Alternative rock band Hundred Reasons went off the grid for over a decade after making it big on the London scene. Hundred Reasons are coming back to play the Royal Albert HallCredit: Matt HiggsThe will be celebrating their 25th anniversaryCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe band headline Glastonbury in their heydayCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe group started winning awards for their music in the year 2000, and went on to get signed with Columbia Records.Their debut album was an instant hit, with several singles making it to the top of the charts.Hundred Reasons went on their first world tour in 2002, and then began to headline music festivals such as the Radio 1’s Big Weekend.After the peak of their success ebbed the band decided to take an extended hiatus. read more in showbizThey came out with a surprise new album called Glorious Sunset in 2023 that set fans aflutter, but they have something even bigger coming up.Music lovers will be delighted to hear they will be celebrating 25 years since their first gig with a huge show at the Royal Albert Hall on May 7, 2025.Tickets are set to go on sale a year in advance, on May 14 at 10 am.The band shared: “It’s a dream for us to get to play The Albert Hall 25 years since we played our first show. Most read in Music”As our only headline show in the books we want this to be a proper celebration of all things Hundred Reasons. It’ll be a very special night and we’ll have a few surprises up our sleeves as well.”We’d love our fans to come along and celebrate with us as we don’t know if we’ll ever do something like this ever again. Rock one-hit wonders haven’t aged 19 years since iconic hit and Eurovision attempt “The tour in 2023 was very special for us and with the London show being our biggest yet at The Hammersmith Apollo, The Albert Hall seems like a special way to celebrate 25 years of the band.” More

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      Eurovision star and music icon slams ‘ridiculous’ contest claiming it’s been ruined by bosses

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      ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK has still got the, ahem, hump, with Eurovision, 12 years after finishing in penultimate place.The singing legend has slammed the contest as “ridiculous” for putting him first in the running order, which is what he blames for his dire result with the song Love Will Set You Free.Engelbert Humperdinck has slammed Eurovision bosses for putting him first in the running order 12 years agoCredit: Getty – ContributorBut he has also double-downed on claims the final, which will air on BBC One on Saturday, is politically motivated.In an exclusive chat, he said: “It’s a sad time for me, that was a sad time.“It’s a political programme and I was put on first. “There were people on that show that didn’t even have a record contract and they put me on first — a person who’s been around the world several times, entertaining the world.READ MORE ON EUROVISION“Putting me on first was the most ridiculous thing to do. “Of course, being first, by the time they finished the show, nobody remembers the first person.“It’s like when you do a show, you make sure the song you do at the end is what people go out singing afterwards.”He could be right, but for the wrong reasons.Most read in BizarreNew research from gambling.com suggests that the UK has actually scored more points since the Brexit referendum in 2016…That said, I’m not convinced Engelbert would fare much better if he was taking part this year.Watch shock moment Eurovision crowds BOO & shout ‘Free Palestine’ at Israeli contestant Eden Golan ahead of Grand Final More

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      I won Eurovision but lost EVERYTHING after my marriage ended & career failed – I had to move into a caravan

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      SANDIE Shaw shot to fame with her winning Eurovision belter Puppet On A String – but she ended up losing everything. The UK pop star became a national treasure when she was crowned victorious in the 1967 competition.Sandie Shaw was regarded as one of the most successful female British singers of the 1960sCredit: GettyThe UK pop singer after winning the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest with Puppet On A StringCredit: AlamyShe did Dagenham proud, amassing 47 votes for Britain with her smashing entry. Sandie sung her heart out barefoot on the Vienna stage, which later became a staple look during her performances.The singer, whose real name is Sandra Ann Goodrich, was recognised as one of the biggest British female singers of the time. She had already earned herself a spot at number one in the UK charts in 1961.Read More on EurovisionDuring her impressive career, Sandie bagged three number one songs with There’s Always Something There to Remind Me in 1964 and Long Live Love the following year.But, the iconic pop star tragically saw her success take a nosedive, along with her marriage in 1968.Her relationship with ex-husband Jeff Banks broke down, and she was left with little money.The singer and her daughter Gracie were forced to live in a caravan after Jeff had flushed all their money down the drain in his bid to become a fashion designer.Most read in ShowbizIn 1982, Sandie re-married, and tied the knot with psychiatrist Tony Bedford.Two years later the resilient Eurovision winner released a cover of The Smiths Hand in Glove in 1984 which ranked within the UK top 30.The singer and her second husband welcomed two children together before calling it quits on their 13 year partnership in 1995.Sandie announced her official retirement from the music industry in 2013, and had been mainly working as a psychotherapist throughout the 90s. ‘I was stressed!’ admits ‘emotional’ Olly Alexander as he reveals blunder that threatened Eurovision performanceShe won an MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2018 which was awarded by the then Prince Charles.He asked her why it had taken so long to receive the gong, to which she said afterwards: “I told him the truth.”The truth is that women in music haven’t tended to be honoured in the past, certainly not in the Sixties.”He said he was glad I was here now. He was a bit stunned it had taken so long.”UK Eurovision winners THERE have been five winning British Eurovision entries since the competition began in 1956.
      Sandi Shaw – Puppet on a String 1967
      Lulu – Boom Bang-a-Bang 1969
      Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses For Me 1976
      Bucks Fizz – Making Your Mind Up 1981
      Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine a Light 1997

      When is Eurovision 2024?Eurovision Song Contest final will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024.This year Sweden will do the hosting honours after singer Loreen notched up her second Eurovision win with Tattoo in 2023.The Swedes have chosen Malmo as the city to welcome acts and fans from across the globe, with the local arena being used as the venue.In 2023, the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis was because Ukraine wasn’t able to host the famous song contest, after Kalush Orchestra won in 2022.Thanks to Sam Ryder we finished second that year and therefore the hosting duties were down to the UK.Everything you need to know about EurovisionHere’s your complete guide to all things Eurovision:
      Sandie performing on stage in the height of her careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationSandie sung for fans in Liverpool watching the Eurovision Song Contest final on a giant screen in the Eurovision Village on May 13, 2023Credit: GettyThe singer performed during the ‘Vintage at Goodwood’ summer festival in 2010Credit: Alamy More

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      Huge American rock group break major Oasis music record with one of their most iconic tracks

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      IT’S a song that means so much to many of us – and was the last dance at my best friend Charlie’s wedding.And now The Killers’ track Mr Brightside has reached a new high after it became the UK’s official biggest single of all time . . . that never reached the No1 spot.An Oasis record has been broken by a US bandCredit: GettyThe Killers’ track Mr Brightside has become the UK’s official biggest single of all time that never reached number 1Credit: SuppliedThe band, fronted by Brandon Flowers, have taken the record from Oasis’ song Wonderwall, written by Noel Gallagher.It has been confirmed by the Official Charts.And it couldn’t have come at a better time, as the tune celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.As well as taking the accolade, with 1.066million sales and 530,340,000 streams, Mr Brightside is also now the UK’s third-biggest song of all time, beating WHAM!’s classic Last Christmas.READ MORE MUSIC NEWSBrandon said of the song: “It’s funny, I almost don’t feel so much a part of it any more.“It’s just this thing that exists in the world. “It’s amazing I had something to do with it, but I almost feel a little bit removed from it because it’s so big. “It’s incredible. I went to see Ed Sheeran in Las Vegas and I joined him for a version of Mr Brightside. Most read in Bizarre“We also did Castle On The Hill. “These are people that may not be Killers fans, but it just lit up like a casino in this place when we started playing Mr Brightside.Liam Gallagher’s Zen Retreat: Inside the Rock Legend’s Country Estate“It was an amazing thing to see that transcendence. “It doesn’t matter how old, young or what sex you are.”The track first came out in 2001 but Brandon said he only knew it was going to become something special when they played Glastonbury three years later.He said: “We’d been coming to the UK and had some great experiences, but we’d been away for a little while. “We came back and when we played that song, something had obviously happened.“Something shifted in the way that the audience physically responded, and it set us off on this path to become the live band we are now.”Fans of the band will be able to hear them play Mr Brightside live all over again this summer as they are coming back to the UK on their Rebel Diamonds Tour.The 16 dates include four performances at the Co-op Live in Manchester and six gigs at London’s O2 Arena.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is going to be incredible to see The Killers back on stage.Congrats, lads.Mr Brightside usurped Wonderwall, written by Noel Gallagher, for the top spotCredit: GettyBiggest songs of all time (that have never been number 1 in the charts)

      1. Mr Brightside – THE KILLERS. Chart position: 10.
      2. Wonderwall – OASIS. Chart position: 2
      3. All Of Me – JOHN LEGEND. Chart position: 2.
      4. Take Me To Church – HOZIER. Chart Position: 2.
      5. Fairytale Of New York – POGUES ft KIRSTY MacCOLL. Chart position: 2. More

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      ‘Just awful!’ rant Eurovision fans as they slam BBC over technical blunder as UK entry Olly Alexander performed on stage

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      EUROVISION fans were left frustrated with the BBC last night when they watched Olly Alexander’s performance for the semi-finals.The song contest is heating up now the finals are just days away. Olly Alexander is representing the UK in EurovisionCredit: SplashHe put on a show last night for the semi-finalsCredit: APBut fans have blasted the BBC for a technical blunder that might ruin his chancesCredit: SplashBut viewers were disappointed when the pop singer representing the UK let the team down last night due to technical difficulties.Olly performed his  song Dizzy with flair, but many complained that the sound was muffled and they could not hear him.One worried viewer shared: “Much as I want UK to do well at Eurovision, our choice of Olly Alexander singing while crashing around inside a box isn’t going to produce outstanding live vocals. Dodgy sound all round at SemiFinals 1, hope it’s better for SemiFinals2 and Grand Finals…”Another wrote: “Watching Olly Alexander’s performance, Great staging, the singing/sound was not great at all…”read more in musicA third hit out: “Olly Alexander vocals were awful.”The vocalist himself took to Instagram to explain what had gone wrong.Olly sighed: “My mic pack fell out halfway through the performance. I had to catch it, and – it just kind of threw me off.”The pop star looked upset, pulling a face before continuing: “I was worried I would…there were elements of the routine I couldn’t really do as well as I would’ve liked. Most read in Music”It was quite stressful. I thought my pack was just going to fall off entirely and my in-ears were going to…”Olly then made a gesture to depict the monitors falling out.Olly Alexander breaks silence on Eurovision backlash on ITV’s LorraineHowever, some fans flocked to reassure the singer on Instagram.One person shared: “Loved the staging & song, dropped his mic pack & carried on like a pro!”A second gushed: “THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!! People just trying to discredit the totally epic staging and song! .. yes he sounded a little breathy in places but overall … that was just incredible !!!!!! Best staging of the night!”Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
      Finalists:

      Semi-finalists:

      Out:

      Poland: LUNA – The Tower
      Iceland: Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
      Moldova: Natalia Barbu – In The Middle
      Azerbaijan: FAHREE feat. Ilkin Dovlatov – Özünlə Apar
      Australia: Electric Fields – One Milkali (One Blood) More

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      Eurovision’s Sam Ryder becomes a millionaire two years after his success at the song contest

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      SCOFF all you want at Eurovision – but it has turned SAM RYDER into a millionaire.Two years on from his second-place finish for the UK in Turin, the Space Man singer is rolling in the dosh.Eurovision has made Sam Ryder a millionaireCredit: GettySo acts performing this Saturday should take note!I can reveal he has taken his pop earnings from £400,000 to £1.4million at his music firms Bizwash and Washbiz.Sam’s latest figures show one firm had £1.3million as of July 2023, while the second had £100,000.The upturn in his fortunes was shown in accounts signed off by him last week and filed at Companies House.READ MORE EUROVISION NEWSSince doing the nation proud at Eurovision, he has released an album, been nominated for a Brit Award and had two No2 singles – Space Man and You’re Christmas To Me, which narrowly missed out on the Christmas No1 spot.Last year’s winner Loreen is also smashing it.She will release new single Forever tomorrow and perform it at Saturday’s Grand Final, before a mammoth tour.Loreen has announced her biggest headline tour to date, which includes shows across the UK next March, and tickets are on sale tomorrow.Most read in BizarreDon’t Leto goA ROUND of applause for Jared Leto and Alfie Boe please, after they abseiled down New York’s Empire State Building for charity.We’re pleased to report Alfie raised way more than, er, a tenor, and helped pull in £2.4million for the Outward Bound network that helps young people.Eurovision 2022: UK’s Sam Ryder performs Space ManJared Leto hangs from the Empire State Building in a charity stuntCredit: GettyAlfie Boe also abseiled down the monumentCredit: SuppliedAlfie and Jared joined 18 others to take on the terrifying feat.Princess Beatrice is a trustee for the charity and was there to cheer them on.Streams honour for AmyAMY WINEHOUSE’s incredible music achievements have been honoured again.Her parents Mitch and Janis have been handed a Brit Billion Award for Amy, which celebrates her reaching one billion streams in the UK.Amy Winehouse has reached one billion streams in the UKCredit: GettyCollecting the award on behalf of the Back To Black singer, who died in 2011, Mitch and Janis said: “We of course wish Amy was here accepting this award in person. “But it’s amazing she is still winning awards for her incredible talent and achievements.“It’s wonderful her music is being discovered by new audiences of young people who love it just as much as her contemporaries.”Amy joins a list of more than 25 acts with the accolade, including Queen, Rolling Stones and Lewis Capaldi.Charli: I did write for BritCHARLI XCX has confirmed our story that she wrote songs for a new Britney Spears album.We told in December how Charli had been part of sessions for a comeback record, which has now been put on hold.Charli XCX has confirmed she wrote songs for a new Britney Spears albumCredit: GettyShe has finally spoken about it, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live on US TV – after Britney tried to talk down the news.Charli said: “It leaked to the press. “Britney then did this post where she was like, ‘I don’t have random people write for me.’ And I was like, ‘Oh. OK. Go off’. “So I don’t know that she was a part of the process. “I went to Malibu and I wrote.“The team were present. But she didn’t record it.”Festival fun
      SOUTH By South-west will launch in London next year, celebrating innovations in creativity, culture and tech.
      For decades the festival has been held in Texas, where it showcased artists including Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Stormzy and also Ed Sheeran.
      Locations are yet to be revealed but it will in June, with tickets on sale in October.

      Win gig ticketsIF you haven’t entered our competition to win a pair of tickets to see seriously cool acts this summer, you’ve got two days left.Our friends at Live Nation have some amazing tickets to give away.Win tickets to see Pearl Jam in Manchester or LondonCredit: GettyTickets for Moby in London could also be yoursCredit: The Mega AgencyThere are a pair of tickets for Nicki Minaj, Eagles, Pearl Jam, Doja Cat and Moby up for grabs.Head to thesun.co.uk/concertweek and fill in your details.You could see Pearl Jam in Manchester or London, Eagles in Manchester or Moby in London.Nicki is in Glasgow, Birmingham, London and Manchester.If you prefer Doja, catch her in Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle or London.Live Nation’s Concert Week is offering fans more than 40,000 tickets from £25 for some of the biggest shows this year, from pop superstars to legendary rock bands, so keep an eye out for promotions.There is also a pair of Nicki Minaj tickets up for grabsCredit: GettyStormzy the beer leaderSTORMZY got the beers in after his team AFC Croydon Athletic got promoted to the dizzy heights of the eighth tier of English football.The Heavy Is The Head rapper, along with girlfriend Maya Jama, were seen partying after they beat Knaphill FC 2-1 in the Combined Counties Football League Premier South Division play-off final.Rapper and co owner of AFC Croydon Athletic, Stormzy, celebrates promotion to the eighth tier of English footballCredit: GettyStormzy, pictured in the changing room, bought the South London club last year in a consortium with Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha and ex-Crystal Palace kit man Danny Young.His decision to get involved in the club has meant renewed support for AFC Croydon, which has led to more ticket sales and more pints and pies being bought – in a boost to local business.There is nothing better in my eyes than a day out at the football, and to see how much Stormzy has helped his local club is brilliant.We could do with a touch of that magic at Spurs right now.I am… so moved by Tom★★★★☆IF Tom Walker was feeling nervous as he walked on stage for his biggest-ever show, he certainly didn’t show it.I was crammed in like a sardine among thousands of his fans who loved every second of the gig in Hammersmith, West London, which celebrated songs from upcoming new record I Am.Tom Walker put on quite the show in HammersmithCredit: Toby YeoHis latest single Head Underwater was met with huge cheers, while Just You & I was so moving that I got a bit teary as he dedicated the track to his wife Annie, who was in the crowd.That could have been the beer talking of course.But there is something about Tom’s soulful voice and masterful lyricism that could make even Danny Dyer go a bit mushy inside.He finished, as you’d expect, with a killer performance of his breakaway hit Leave A Light On.Mark my words, Tom will be playing in arenas in years to come.Ellie HenmanSydney lightens upAFTER throwing some pretty epic shade at the Met Gala to the film producer who slagged her off, Sydney Sweeney is back to her blonde best.She chose to wear a short, dark wig to the event on Monday, left, which looked an awful lot like Carol Baum’s hair.Sydney Sweeney threw some shade at the film producer who slagged her off at the Met GalaCredit: GettySyd’s hair looked a lot like Carol Baum’s, the producer who claimed she ‘can’t act’ and ‘isn’t pretty’Credit: GettyThe rug, according to my Met mole, was a pointed jab at Carol, who previously said the Euphoria actress “can’t act” and “isn’t pretty”.I think a trip to Specsavers is on the cards, Carol.Sydney looked like she’d swerved a hangover as she headed into the sunshine wearing a bandeau shirt dress.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’m not sure the same could be said for top caner Rita Ora, spotted coming home from an after-party as the sun came up on Tuesday.Nurofen for breakfast, Rita? More

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      ‘Moneymaker’ Taylor Swift will make history after Eras tour’s European leg with merchandise sales alone set to hit $500m

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      TAYLOR Swift will carry on making and breaking records this summer.The Cruel Summer star, 34, is taking a deep breath before jumping head-first into a jam-packed European leg of her blockbuster Eras tour.Taylor Swift is gearing up for an explosive return to touring as the European leg of her blockbuster Eras tour begins in ParisCredit: GettySwifties have an insatiable appetite for merchandise (pictured) and sales in 2024 are going through the roofCredit: GettyThe Eras Tour has been a cultural and economic phenomenon, breaking records and generating billions of dollars in revenueCredit: GettyTaylor will play 51 shows in 13 countries over the next five months as she looks to smash the astonishing numbers racked up in 2023, when she became the first artist to gross over $1 billion from a tour.The reported $1.04 billion eclipsed previous record holder Elton John, who made $939 million from his Farewell Yellow Brick Road shows in 2022/23.The legendary English crooner played an astonishing 328 gigs – that is more than five times the number of performances Taylor rolled out last year.MERCH MADNESS She has extended this year’s tour from 60 to 152 – yet it’s the Swifties’ voracious appetite for merchandise which sets the 34-year-old sensation apart.The U.S. Sun has spoken to two well-placed insiders – one who specializes in music industry merchandising strategy and another involved specifically on the European leg of the Eras tour.Both have been left floored by the projected increase in last year’s $250 million in sales of t-shirts, posters, and other merch.The sources claim that during the Asian swing earlier this year, more than 100,000 items were sold online in a day, not even counting the sales inside the packed-out arenas and stadiums.”We have never seen this before,” said one of the specialists. Most read in Celebrity”I worked with Michael Jackson but nothing came close to what Taylor is doing.”Ticket sales alone are expected to gross over $2 billion – smashing the record from 12 months ago. And since the start of the year, an estimated $80 million has been brought in with a mass of Swift memorabilia flying off the shelves.How to make Taylor Swift’s favourite cocktail”No other artist can even dream about making even $20 million in merchandising sales on tour,” added the business strategy veteran.”Millions of fans have been waiting for this to happen, and they have been saving money to spend it on their favorite artist.”The tour is the biggest ever, and Taylor is the most famous artist in the world, and they want to have their part of history.”INSANE NUMBERS Taylor is predicted to bring in another $120 million in Europe where she will play sold-out shows in France, Portugal, England, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Spain, Wales, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands.”We expect the numbers to be insanely high,” confirmed the expert.MONEY-MAKING MACHINETaylor Swift sold over 4.3 million Eras Tour tickets which averaged in price at $239.95. That means she brought in $17 million per show.
      The Eras tour in 2023 grossed a record $1.04 billion from just 60 shows.
      The former record holder – the legendary Elton John – made around $900 million from over 300 performances.
      Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour raked in $776 million from 257 shows, while iconic rockers U2 played 110 shows on their 360 Tour and saw $735 million roll in.
      Swift broke attendance records at several stadiums, including New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which saw a three-day attendance total of 217,635, and she set single-day records in Pittsburgh and Nashville.

      There is also an expectation of swathes of American-based fans making the pilgrimage to Europe for a show. When the tour returns to North America later this year, the merchandise sales total alone is expected to exceed $500 million.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Selling more than half a billion dollars of merchandising is absolutely unbelievable,” said the insider. “Taylor Swift will make history once again.”The U.S Sun has spoken to two music industry insiders who claim fans are helping Taylor Swift break all manner of merchandise and ticket sale recordsCredit: GettyOne industry insider who worked with Michael Jackson said the money generated by Taylor Swift is off the chartsCredit: AFP More