Squire detailed the incident, sharing that he broke his wrist back in 2020 when playing basketball with his son. His thumb on his dominant hand was affected, leaving him unsure of whether his guitar-playing days would have to be put behind him. He said, “There was a question mark over whether I would get full use of it back.”

Fortunately, Squire has been able to regain his abilities through a rigorous regime of physiotherapy. The incident ultimately “didn’t just force him to play again; it reignited his desire to do so.”

Squire has recently collaborated with Liam Gallagher on a much-anticipated single, “Just Another Rainbow.” Speaking on the collaboration, Squire shared, “I think we were both surprised at how complementary my guitar tone is with his voice and how the songs I’ve written worked for him.“

Gallagher and Squire have hinted that this will be the start of an ongoing musical relationship, with Gallagher commenting, “If John comes up with another load of songs that are banging, they’ll get it as well. Squire’s got a lot more in him. People look at John as this guitar hero, but he definitely knows how to write a fucking song.”

Squire also reflected on the Stone Roses reunion back in 2016 which ultimately fell flat. The iconic 80s Manchester group came together to put out two new singles, “All For One” and “Beautiful Thing” but a new album never came to fruition. Despite selling out stadiums across the UK and headlining numerous festivals, Squire said, “the general feeling was that nobody was that into even being in a band together, never mind making an album.”

The Stone Roses ultimately disbanded again, leaving a lull in Squire’s music career. Instead, he turned to visual art, co-creating the artwork for “Just Another Rainbow.” He said, “It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, or whether it’s visual or sonic. What makes me tick is creating.”

When questioned on any regrets he may have had within his music career, Squire shared, “There’d be a trade-off. I might not be married. I might not have as many children and I might not have seen as much of them. I don’t feel like I’ve massively fucked up.”

Squire has hinted at more upcoming tracks and has teased some potential tour dates, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Pet Shop Boys members Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are fans of the reimagination of their track, saying, “Sleaford Mods have brought East End boys back to the West End streets for a great cause and we love their new version.” The duo also remixed Sleaford Mods’ cover version which will feature on the limited edition single.

The Pet Shop Boys took to social media to promote the “West End Girls” cover, calling it “excellent.”

Check out the @sleafordmods’ excellent new cover version of “West End girls”. All proceeds go to the UK charity @Shelter. There’s also a PSB remix! Links below. https://t.co/e32hMvph5Thttps://t.co/yCV9reGYza https://t.co/6pEKqXqscA #PetText pic.twitter.com/C7v86ghOaY

— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) November 21, 2023

Speaking on their decision to cover the track, Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods said “West End Girls is a song that’s very close to my heart, my coming-of-age track in so many ways.”

Bandmate James Williamson added, “I’ve been listening to the Pet Shop Boys’ albums ‘Please’ and ‘Actually’ a lot, the music still fits this landscape so well. When Andrew suggested we cover West End Girls, it was important to honour the track’s brilliance. So, when Neil and Chris gave the track their blessing our tiny minds were blown, and when we received their remix… it was almost too much. It was brilliant!”

Williamson also commented on teaming up with Shelter, saying, “We wanted to do something for Shelter again in the run up to Christmas so felt why not join up the two things. Their work all year round is so important and – unfortunately, considering the state of the country –needed more than ever. We are pleased proceeds from the single can go to them, and if you are coming to a show and can afford to make a donation, then Andrew and I really appreciate it too.”

Sleaford Mods have worked with Shelter previously and are keen to continue their fundraising efforts. All profits from the new single will go to the charity and the duo are also fundraising at their UK shows. Donate to their fundraiser here.

Shelter is a UK-based charity, tackling homelessness. Shelter believes that “Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and it’s where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.”

Sleaford Mods’ cover of “West End Girls” is available to stream now, with physical vinyl and CD releases coming on 15th December.

Purchase tickets for Sleaford Mods’ UK shows here.

22/11/23 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
23/11/23 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
25/11/23 – National Stadium – Dublin
28/11/23 – O2 Academy – Leeds
29/11/23 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester
30/11/23 – O2 Academy – Bristol
2/12/23 – Alexandra Palace – London

Ray hinted at a full Kinks comeback in 2018 with this never coming to fruition. Ray shared, “Well, it got shelved because of… other issues. But there’s still material there. When I get time.” Speaking on his inspiration for new tracks, Ray said the songs are stemming from “home demos” that he has been recording for around thirty years.

He shared, “We’ve got loads of songs there in pieces. There are about two or three songs I want to finish, and when they’re finished, I’ll put the whole thing together.”

Ray also delved into the feud between the original band members, speaking on the artistic differences between himself, his brother Dave Davies and drummer Mick Avory. He shared, “We’re just different animals. We found ourselves at a very young age being in each other’s faces. And we had to work with it somehow.”

Speaking on his brother Dave, Ray shared that he would need to “persuade [him] to come on too” if a full reunion were to happen. He continued, “You’ve gotta be careful because he’ll run off in one direction and I’ll [run] in mine… He’s like that. He stays in control.”

Ultimately, The Kinks reuniting hinges on the band being able to put together “a show that gives us the credit we deserve,” according to Ray.

In the absence of new music, The Kinks have recently released a new anthology series to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their formation. The anthology, titled The Journey, is a two-part compilation of their favourite moments from their catalogue. In a press release for The Journey, Ray Davies said, “Ask yourself the question, is this journey really necessary? …Yes!”

Dave Davies also shared his excitement, saying “I’m delighted with what I think is an inspiring selection of timeless and magical Kinks music.”

‘The Journey – Part 2′ is OUT NOW The band have handpicked a selection of songs, celebrating 60 years of The Kinks, one of the most influential rock bands ever! Dig into these iconic tracks and take yourself on a journey https://t.co/M6XuedWlXe pic.twitter.com/ixnXuop12g

— The Kinks (@TheKinks) November 17, 2023

Has ‘The Journey – Part 2′ had you dancing around all weekend like Ray and Mick? https://t.co/M6XuedWTMM pic.twitter.com/leHczMqAeR

— The Kinks (@TheKinks) November 20, 2023

Purchase The Journey here.

Harlow’s first UK number one follows three previous UK top ten hits, including “First Class,” “3D” with K-Pop phenomenon Jung Kook of BTS and “Industry Baby” with fellow American rapper Lil Nas X.

Harlow took to social media to promote his new track, writing “Thank u for allowing me to reset this year. I moved back to Kentucky and gave u an album I could not have made on the road. Surrounded by family & childhood friends this has been one of the happiest years of my life. But now…a new era begins.“

Thank u for allowing me to reset this year. I moved back to Kentucky and gave u an album I could not have made on the road. Surrounded by family & childhood friends this has been one of the happiest years of my life.

But now…a new era begins.

Lovin On Me at midnight EST. pic.twitter.com/aKSaxQr7zS

— Jack Harlow (@jackharlow) November 9, 2023

“Lovin On Me” has already taken TikTok by storm and has reeled in overwhelmingly positive reviews. Vulture writer Hershal Pandya wrote, “A surprisingly nimble flow and impeccable beat selection? Check and check. “Cut your boy a little slack,” he raps right before “Lovin on Me”‘s final chorus. If he keeps making singles like this, we won’t have to.”  

Lovin On Me out Friday pic.twitter.com/K74XjTgKAg — Jack Harlow (@jackharlow) November 6, 2023

The track samples the 1995 R&B song “Whatever (Bass Soliloquy)” by Cadillac Dale, which was the B-side to his single “Soulful Moaning.” “Lovin On Me” builds itself around the opening lyrical hook of Dale’s track, singing “I don’t like no whips and chains and you can’t tie me down / But you can whip your lovin’ on me” creating a tongue-in-cheek earworm.

“Lovin On Me” gives Harlow’s fans an insight into what they can expect from his upcoming fourth studio album. This new track has quickly followed his highly acclaimed album Jackman, released in April 2023. Jackman came in at number one on the Top Rap Albums Chart and garnered him a nomination for BET’s Hip Hop Album of the Year.

Harlow currently has no plans to tour the UK, announcing that his only 2023 tour will take place in his home state of Kentucky, aptly titled the No Place Like Home tour.

The only tour I’m going on this year.

Six shows across the state of Kentucky.

No Place Like Home 2023. pic.twitter.com/rQw8hBAmTJ

— Jack Harlow (@jackharlow) August 17, 2023

Doherty, the frontman of indie rock band The Libertines, had become notorious for his struggles with substances and his run-ins with the law during the late 2000s and 2010s. Now attempting sobriety, he has reflected on his chaotic past with Louis Theroux.

A real pleasure to catch up with @louistheroux

Catch up now on @BBCiPlayer #louistherouxinterviews pic.twitter.com/FmOnG2VdV6

— Peter Doherty (@petedoherty) November 16, 2023

When questioned on his health, Doherty shared, “You are looking at a very sick man. I’ve battered it, haven’t I, I’ve fucking caned it. [The] heroin and the crack… I surrendered to that, and then it was cocaine and the smoking and the alcohol, and now it’s cheese and the saucisson, and the sugar in the tea.”

He continued, “It’s all gotta go. They told me a little while ago if you don’t change your diet then you’re gonna have diabetes and cholesterol problems. Death’s lurking, you know what I mean? That’s why I carry that stick.”

Doherty also shared that he doesn’t believe he will be able to see his daughter, Billie-May (born in June of this year) grow up. When Theroux suggested living another 25 years to see his daughter start a family of her own, Doherty responded, “That’s a stretch though, isn’t it.”

Theroux also asked Doherty what advice he would give to someone interested in dabbling in drugs, to which Doherty replied, “My life in using was so chaotic and the consequences of [it]… You’ll be in prison and you’ll fuck your body up and you’ll be skint and you’ll lose your family and you’ll lose everything you love. Is it really that good? That’s beyond curiosity, that’s a right mess. I still get tingles thinking about it, but I’m able to talk to you rather than running off and scoring.”

Doherty also delves into other highly publicised aspects of his life throughout the interview, including his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss and his feud with former Libertines bandmate Carl Barat. Barat revealed that Doherty’s addictions caused a rift in the band, leading to The Libertines performing without Doherty.

Discussing Pete Doherty following the interview, Theroux shared, “I was surprised by how funny he was, I was surprised that (maybe I shouldn’t haven’t been) his recovery still seemed precarious, and I would say that maybe I was sort of surprised by his level of openness.”

Theroux continued, “I suppose everyone curates a persona that they present in public and I’m sure he does as well, but his curatorial choice seemed to be that he’ll speak about anything. Occasionally he deflects a bit, but I never felt that he was especially unwilling to talk about stuff, so it’s a very soul-bearing interview.”

Watch Louis Theroux Interviews: Pete Doherty here.

Meshuggah will be supported by artists including Animals As Leaders, And So I Watch You From Afar and Three Trapped Tigers. Festival-goers will also be treated to performances by Textures, Curse These Metal Hands, Plini and many, many more.

The festival celebrates all forms of rock music, becoming labelled as “three days of expansive exhilaration” and “a haven of progressive music across the spectrum of all things heavy.”

2024 will mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, with a special 30% off deal on tickets available until the end of 2023, or until tickets sell out. To celebrate the anniversary, festival organisers took to social media to christen the show as “Arc10Gent.”

// Were you waiting for the icing on the cake after last week’s first 2024 announcement? Arc10Gent comes but once in a lifetime so we’re pulling out all the stops…

Headlining the Friday of #ATG10 is the mighty @meshuggah, alongside the amazing @AnimalsAsLeader! pic.twitter.com/WvhXShSMzf

— ArcTanGent (@ATGFestival) November 16, 2023

Organisers also put together a YouTube playlist for metal fans to enjoy ahead of time, “featuring the greatest hits of all the newly announced bands” for the 2024 lineup.  

// Did you catch the big news yesterday? Happy goddamn birthday to us. Follow our YouTube playlist featuring the greatest hits of all of the newly announced bands for #ATG10. https://t.co/QSOFSO0o9x pic.twitter.com/woq14n8S2C — ArcTanGent (@ATGFestival) November 17, 2023

ArcTanGent organiser James Scarlett shared more on the plans for the 10th anniversary of the festival, saying, “To celebrate our 10th birthday we wanted to invite back some of our all-time favourite bands from over the years. We drew up a list of all the bands that have ever played ATG that we’d like back and, as it was probably the best thing I’ve ever seen at ATG, naturally Meshuggah was top of that list.”

Scarlett continued, “Animals As Leaders last played way back in 2016 so they weren’t far behind! We’re stoked to be welcoming both bands back in even bigger fashion than last time, to celebrate 10 years of ATG.”

ArcTanGent will be the only UK show that Meshuggah will play in 2024, as well as being the only European show for Animals As Leaders.

// Fans take note – this is a UK exclusive. It will be the only UK show Meshuggah play in 2024, and the only European show of 2024 for Animals As Leaders.

— ArcTanGent (@ATGFestival) November 16, 2023

More acts are set to be announced as excitement for the ArcTanGent 10th anniversary builds. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Ozzy has not performed a full concert since 2018, however his son Jack says he’s still keen to do one-off shows. Talking to The Messenger, Jack said, “I don’t think he’ll tour again. But he’s gunning to do one-off shows — like festivals, gigs, things like that. He’s not done yet.”

Speaking on his health himself, Ozzy shared, “Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready [to perform] yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-assed.” He released this statement following the cancellation of his slot at Power Festival in California, where he was set to headline alongside Metallica, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses.

Ozzy also revealed on SiriusXM’s Ozzy Speaks that he recently had a blood clot removed from an artery. He said, “When I had the blood clots in my legs, they put a filter in your artery to stop the blood clots going to your heart and your brain. It sounds worse than it is.”

He continued, “So, on Monday, I went to have it removed. The blood clots have jammed you all up. It’s just disappointment after disappointment. Just get this thing fucking done so I can go get on with my life.”

Despite his multiple health concerns, Ozzy is keen to keep performing despite retiring from touring. He said, “You can’t retire from this game. It’s not a job, it’s a fucking passion.”

Ozzy has also announced his plans to record an LP in 2024, sharing, “I’m just starting to work on it now, and we’ll be recording in the early part of next year. I want to take my time with this one!”

He also took to social media to share the 40th Anniversary vinyl reissue of his iconic album, Bark at the Moon. The album was released on 15th November 1983 after the release of the titular track earlier on, becoming triple platnum in the US.

Back on Vinyl! Out Now! https://t.co/jzs5bpvf6d pic.twitter.com/shqZCj6Tkx

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) November 17, 2023

November 12, 1983 “Bark at the Moon” single was released. Watch the original music video in HD on @YouTube at https://t.co/mrW4f3afnU pic.twitter.com/GfT72oVk4a — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) November 12, 2023

Attempting hip hop for the first time, Williams was met with confusion upon the release of the track. He has now shared his embarrassment surrounding “Rudebox” in his new 4-part Netflix documentary.

Williams said, “My biggest regret is putting that out as the first single. If I’d have put it out third and explained properly [that] it’s daft – I know! I’m not trying to be a grime artist. I know it’s daft.”

He continued, “In the documentary, the biggest cringe point for me is explaining to an audience who are about to listen to ‘Rudebox’ for the first time that this is gonna be the biggest single since ‘Angels’. Then I had another thought about it, that it’s my second most important single because ‘Angels’ gave me the career and ‘Rudebox’ heralded the end of my imperial phase. So in a way I was right, but not in the way I wanted to be.”

The documentary series, simply titled Robbie Williams, explores the highs and the lows of Williams’ career since his debut with boy band Take That in 1990. Williams addresses many hot topics throughout, including his relationship with Geri Haliwell, also known as Ginger Spice of The Spice Girls, and his feud with bandmate Gary Barlow.

The show also touches on the raw topic of mental health struggles, with Williams candidly sharing his history of self-harm and depression. He opened up saying, “Thank God mental health is being talked about in a different way. I read something that triggered me, somebody talking about ‘celeb washing’ of mental illnesses. And celebs making mental health issues sexy.”

He continued, “[people] need to be careful about what we say and how we say it.”

“It felt like, every day, I would read in print what an abhorrent person I was.”

Robbie Williams opens up on his battles with the media. pic.twitter.com/ZQD2g9fE7J

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) November 12, 2023

The series has already received rave reviews, with fans sharing their opinions on social media.  

The Robbie Williams doc was compelling. Two things stood out. 1. Robbie is a self aware, genuine and decent man. 2. The British press are fucking scum. They’ve driven many of Britain’s best and most talented people to despair, suicide and addiction. They need to be stopped. — Supertanskiii (@supertanskiii) November 12, 2023

Robbie Williams documentary on Netflix – hats off to him for being so open and honest, owning his own shit and somehow finding a way through the madness of superstardom. But what the tabloids tried to do to him was absolutely appalling. #RobbieWilliamspic.twitter.com/aHWTisepRu

— James Melville (@JamesMelville) November 11, 2023

Watch Robbie Williams on Netflix now.

The group have reportedly already filmed the music video for the new track, with an inside source sharing that they are dressed as “superhero characters complete with Wonder Woman-style costumes and capes.” The video is said to have been shot at a North London studio, with the band secretly reuniting to complete the project.

Following the passing of Sarah Harding, the remaining Girls Aloud members are keen to honour her memory. The group, made up of the now mononymous Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Nicole Roberts and Kimberly Walsh, are said to be excited by their new upcoming chapter, teasing many new plans.

An inside source shared, “The girls really came back together as friends to rally around when Sarah died, and it repaired some of the old rifts and put things into perspective. Suddenly the reunion which had seemed totally impossible for so long just felt a totally natural thing to do – in Sarah’s honour.”

They also shared, “this has been one of the best-kept secrets in pop, but it’s actually happening now,” with a possible upcoming album and tour being hinted at too. The newly reunited Girls Aloud are said to be “very excited to be back working together, even if there is a bittersweet element to it,” promising that there will “always be nods to Sarah’s contribution to the group” as they move forwards.

The news of the new single has sparked rumours surrounding Girls Aloud as a headlining act at Glastonbury 2024. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, however bets are already being placed on their place in the lineup, with Alex Apati of Ladbrokes Live saying that they have “sent the British pop world into complete meltdown this morning with the announcement of a new single… and given the reception they’ve had, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them take centre stage at Glastonbury next year.”

Throughout their career, Girls Aloud achieved 21 top 10 UK singles with this including 5 no.1 songs, as well as amassing 5 Brit Award nominations.

Their comeback is already being celebrated on social media, with one fan writing “I am not joking when I say the last girls aloud comeback changed the trajectory of my life.”

I am not joking when I say the last girls aloud comeback changed the trajectory of my life, we are so readyyy https://t.co/9EzQXpzIB6 pic.twitter.com/Gq41ehNwAf

— (@scottgayham) November 8, 2023

girls aloud my queens i’m so happy to hear about news of new music possibly coming even if it’s not confirmed yet it’ll never be the same without sarah but i’m still so excited to possibly experience a girls aloud era for the first time ever pic.twitter.com/OkF8V2IyTl

—

Taking place in various venues across Camden between 17th-19th May, the festival promises to lay on an unforgettable few days. Following the success of the 2023 instalment, Desertfest will be returning with a bang as they prepare to host over 25 explosive acts.

Reflecting on 2023’s shows, the Desertfest team took to Facebook to share their gratitude, writing “The official Desertfest London 2023 recap is here & has us missing y’all so damn much already! As many of you know, Desertfest is a fully independent venture and your support of the event is the only reason we are still able to bring you a festival of this magnitude in a city like London. Thank you so much for continuing to buy tickets, merch, beers & everything inbetween.”

They continued, “We had so many amazing performances this year and the energy shared between the bands and you is what makes the festival so unique. Of course an extra special shout out to our amazing crew & venues, who not only put so much hardwork into make everything run flawlessy, but keep that extra special DF atmosphere alive.“

The enthusiasm for next year has already begun, as the Desertfest team announced their headlining act, Masters Of Reality who will play their first UK show in almost a decade. As expressed in a press release, “their combination of hard-rock blues with a progressive tinge makes no apologies for not sticking within the stylised box listeners would expect, yet simultaneously provides the perfect lesson in the musical ethos and story-telling of the Palm Desert scene.”

The lineup also includes heavy hitters such as industrial band Godflesh, California stoner-metal band Acid King and Italian experimentalists, Ufomammut.

Multiple other bands from the extensive lineup have taken to social media to share their excitement, including Maserati, Sergeant Thunderhoof and Sugar Horse.

Very excited to announce that we’ll be playing @DesertFest London in May 2024! @TempResLtd @voulezvouscie pic.twitter.com/eZp1OelYFX

— MASERATI (@MASERATI_BAND) November 10, 2023

A cold day in hell is upon us! The stars have finally aligned and we are delighted to announce we’ll be making our debut at Desertfest London in May 2024. We hope to see lots of you there to share some beers and riffs.

Tickets: https://t.co/77fZNU0fri #desertfestlondon pic.twitter.com/UnMnqSB5gb

— Sergeant Thunderhoof (@SgtThunderhoof) November 8, 2023

Hugely excited to announce we’ll be playing @DesertFest in London Town next May. TICKETS:https://t.co/aViazC5JwB pic.twitter.com/qSNEyF4NnK — Sugar Horse (@sugarhorse666) November 8, 2023

Tickets are available to purchase here.