Falling on the same night of the 2024 BRIT awards, Wunderhorse took to the stage last Saturday to rapturous applause. The legendary 700-year-old pub announced the secret set just hours before the group were scheduled to perform, causing fans to scramble to purchase last-minute tickets. Fronted by singer-songwriter Jacob Slater, his distinctive rough and ready vocals and razor-sharp lyricism are hard to shake off. Slater’s gritty on-stage persona is reminiscent of blistering American garage bands, causing him to launch into a series of rage-fuelled outbursts, only to lose him again in a 90s psychedelic fog.

The Hertfordshire-born musician had made the decision to exit his old band Dead Pretties in 2017, a path that would eventually lead him to form his next project Wunderhorse, releasing their debut, critically-acclaimed album ‘Cub‘ in October 2022, a beautiful yet bloodied catalogue of teenage misadventure. The past two years have seen Slater build up a fair amount of mileage, having scored not only glowing album reviews and international recognition, but rather ironically his first ever acting role as Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook in Danny Boyle’s tv miniseries Pistol.

A multifaceted writer and instrumentalist, Slater has also curated his own separate solo project, releasing his first ever record ‘Pinky, I Love You‘ in August 2023, another deeply personal and tender account of youth driven by a rousing, prog-rock sound. On February 5, the band announced they will be performing at Isle of Wight, TRNSMT, Boardmasters and Reading and Leeds festival this summer.

As of last weekend, they also shared they will be headlining Dot To Dot Festival in May alongside Irish electronic duo Jockstrap, and Brighton’s The Great Escape festival accompanied by other major acts such as Faye Webster and SOFTPLAY. Great Escape Fest is known for showcasing the biggest and brightest up and coming artists from around the country, with over 150 acts set to take part in different venues across the city.

Wunderhorse took to Instagram last month to lift the lid on new music, revealing they are currently in the process of recording their sophomore album, simply commenting: “Back on the road in March, new music in tow”. The four-piece will be supporting English singer-songwriter Declan McKenna on his 2024 UK tour this month, kicking things off at Cardiff University’s Student Union on March 23. You can purchase tickets here.

A series of gigs have been announced next month to mark its long-awaited reopening, with its first performances taking place on Friday April 19, except it will feature tribute acts as opposed to famous bands. Nirvana UK will pay homage to the 90s grunge band, with a tongue-and-cheek The Smyths following suit. On the following Friday, April 26, two more tribute acts will take to the stage, including Definitely Might Be, inspired by Oasis, and UK Foo Fighters. Tickets for both shows will go on sale this Friday (March 8) at 9am GMT. You can purchase them here.

English quintet Editors will be the first major band to headline the venue, and are set to perform on May 2, with special guests yet to be confirmed. The band took to social media today (March 4) to showcase the gig after wrapping up their UK tour yesterday, commenting: “We’re extremely excited to return to @o2academybrix in London on May 2nd!”

We’re extremely excited to return to @O2AcademyBrix in London on May 2nd!

Tickets on sale this Friday, March 8th, at 10am -> https://t.co/9cvHB75upU pic.twitter.com/6DRZ1U8QK6

— EDITORS (@editorsofficial) March 4, 2024

In an unexpected announcement, US rock band The Black Keys have also revealed they will be playing the South London venue in a two-night residency on Tuesday 7 May and Wednesday 8 May. Tickets for both Editors and The Black Keys will also go on sale on the same date as the tribute shows, Friday March 8, but at 10am GMT. You can find them here.

Pre-order our new album Ohio Players from our UK store before March 5th, 5pm GMT to access the exclusive fan pre-sale on March 6th, 10am GMT. Fans who have already pre-ordered will also get access.

Tickets go on sale Friday 8th March, 10am local time. https://t.co/0inZOM7ceQ pic.twitter.com/mG3Avcfm4i

— The Black Keys (@theblackkeys) March 4, 2024

The future of the legendary music venue remained uncertain for the best part of a year and a half after Lambeth Council suspended its license, with the Metropolitan Police reportedly advocating for the beloved music spot to close its doors permanently. An online petition was launched after the venue confirmed its closure, with the hope that the decision would be overturned. A plethora of artists and industry professionals also spoke out, condemning the possibility that it could be closed for good.

In December 2023, it was declared that the venue would be allowed to retain its license and reopen, providing the building and its organisers can meet more than 77 “robust” safety rules and conditions. Brixton Academy has allegedly spent £1.2 million on maintenance and improvements last year, including stronger doors, a more efficient queuing system and a more secure ticketing process, according to Brixton Academy’s owners, Academy Music Group (AMG).

Interior. CREDIT: AMG.

“We continue to be devastated by the events of last December,” AMG’s statement said. “Our heartfelt condolences remain with the family and friends of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gaby Hutchinson. What happened was and is a tragedy and we are committed to ensuring that it can never be repeated.”

“Over the past nine months, the venue’s importance to the local community and the live music scene in the UK has been made clear. Academy Music Group is determined to learn all appropriate lessons from the night of December 15 2022. As the Licensing Sub Committee knows, the venue must implement all the new conditions and will reopen at first with test events. The commitment we give to work in close partnership with all the responsible authorities as we reopen is a serious and sincere one.”

The building first opened in 1929 as a cinema and boasted sleek Art Deco interior and a theatrical-style stage framed by its famous arch, which was modelled on the Rialto Bridge in Venice. In July 1972 it reopened as a disco, rebranded again throughout the 80s and 90s, and has held enormous cultural significance ever since, attracting some of the world’s greatest and most renowned acts, including Amy Winehouse, The Clash, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

With a string of exciting new headline shows set to take place over the coming months, this hopefully marks a new chapter and era for a venue that has been clouded by such a devastating event.

Breaking the BST headliner news on her social media channels, Nicks said: “Anything that draws me back to London – and therefore to England – fills my heart with joy. And to be able to visit and make music … is always a dream come true…”

Best known for her contributions to rock band Fleetwood Mac, Nicks joined the group in 1975 and made a name for herself with her captivating vocals and poetic songwriting, eventually going on to have a successful solo career with hits like ‘Edge of Seventeen‘ and ‘Bella Donna‘. After the death of her bandmate Christine McVie in November last year, Nicks informed fans that this would in fact be the end of the road for the group following a jampacked revival tour and emotional final performance at Radio City Music Hall in 2018, closing the chapter on a much beloved era for millions of fans around the globe.

As for the remainder of the UK summer line-ups, Nicks has been tipped as one of the rumoured artists for Glastonbury 2024 after organiser Emily Eavis announced this year’s legend slot would be occupied by a female artist. The world-renowned performer and hugely influential fashion icon also recently unveiled her 2024 US tour, as well as a string of 12 extra dates, including New York, Salt Lake City and Nashville.

For those eager to snatch tickets, general sale kicks off at 10am on Wednesday March 6. You’ll be able to buy tickets on the official BST website here. For presale access on Monday March 4, you can sign up here. American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of the presale from Friday 1 March at 10am. Prices for all of the shows at this year’s festival have not been revealed, but like all BST shows, tickets will be divided into different packages, including General Admission, Gold Circle access and VIP Packages such as the Ultimate Diamond VIP experience, The Ultimate VIP Hydeaway and Great Oak Roof Garden.

☆ ≈ Gleaming with excitement and pride to announce our fourth album ‘There’s a Big Star Outside’ will be out 07/06/24 ≈ ☆
The first single ‘How Many Love Songs Have Died In Vegas?’ Is out now
Please pre order the album (link in bio), where you get early access to tickets pic.twitter.com/z2s91JUlO8

— SWIM DEEP ≈ (@SWIM_DEEP) February 21, 2024

In a press release, frontman Austin Wiliams explains the backstory behind the lead single: “‘How Many Love Songs In Vegas?’ is a song that’s been stitched together over a few years, a great melody made in a shed (like all the good ones are) that never found its song. Until Swim Deep’s Lord saviour Bill Ryder Jones insisted we persist with it as it was ‘dead good’. We tried everything, and even after going full Flaming Lips at the Wacky Warehouse on it, still, nothing felt perfect… until we sat back, drank some gin and listened to Yo La Tengo & Red House Painters. And suddenly it clicked, Bill saw the light and I followed him like I would off a cliff.”

He adds: “A song I wrote after pondering whether marriage was ill fated, and statistically doomed, just like my parents and all my friend’s parents’ ones seemed to turn out. An anxiety laced love song in which I deny all of those odds stacked against me and my wife, the best person ever.”

Alongside the new single and album announcement, Swim Deep have also unveiled a string of live shows across the UK. The group are set to hit the road for an 11-date tour, including performances in Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle and London. You can take a look at the full tracklist of the album below:

1. How Many Love Songs Have Died In Vegas?
2. Very Heaven
3. These Words
4. Robin
5. Don’t Make Me a Stranger
6. First Song
7. Big Star
8. It’s Just Sun In Your Eyes
9. So Long, So Far (Marble-Bellied Baby)
10. Fire Surrounds

According to a statement obtained by Deadline, the Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for Skyfall and 1917, said he is “honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time“, and that he is “excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”

“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sam Mendes, and Neal Street Productions announced a groundbreaking creative endeavor to tell the story of #TheBeatles with four distinct theatrical feature films.

The project marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles… pic.twitter.com/b7uqEv1zig

— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) February 20, 2024

Harris added: “We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling, and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time. To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege. From our first meeting with Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler, it was clear that they shared both our passion and ambition for this project, and we can’t think of a more perfect home than Sony Pictures.”

Apple Corps Ltd. CEO Jeff Jones shared: “Apple Corps is delighted to collaborate with Sam, Pippa and Julie to explore each Beatle’s unique story and to bring them together in a suitably captivating and innovative way. Sony Pictures’ enthusiastic support, championing the project’s scope and creative vision from the start, has been invaluable for all of us.”

“Theatrical movie events today must be culturally seismic. Sam’s daring, large-scale idea is that and then some. Pairing his premiere filmmaking team, with the music and the stories of four young men who changed the world, will rock audiences all over the globe. We are deeply grateful to all parties and look forward ourselves to breaking some rules with Sam’s uniquely artistic vision.” said Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.

The iconic Liverpudlian band have been at the centre of a multitude of documentaries and films over the past six decades, but this project marks the first that has acquired full music rights, including scripted storytelling freedoms surrounding the musicians’ lives. 2021’s The Beatles: Get Back showcased a more intimate glimpse into the band’s relationship and songwriting process, allowing audiences to view never-before-seen footage and private conversations between the quartet, a far cry from the camp musical comedy that was 1964’s A Hard Day’s Night.

Meanwhile, the band have already been making headlines the past few months after releasing their emotional final single ‘Now And Then‘ in November 2023, a demo that had once been left in the musical abyss, now brought to the surface after the rediscovery of a lost 1970 John Lennon recording. 

More recently, a member of the public has come forward in a wholesome turn of events to reunite McCartney with his most beloved bass guitar, one that was deemed to be of huge importance in The Beatles’ history, having been used to record major moments in their discography, and famously pictured during the group’s rehearsals for their legendary debut performance on CBS’ The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The woman who claimed to have found the £10million Hofner 500/1 ‘violin’ bass, which was stolen in 1972, returned it to the musician last week more than 50 years later, and is hoping for some form of reward.

Tuesday’s film series announcement has generated an immense amount of online buzz, with Beatles fans now speculating as to who should be cast, throwing Hollywood stars like Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Aaron Taylor-Johnson into the ring of discussion. Drummer Ringo Starr broke his silence on the news, taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) to comment:

Have you heard the news? Oh boy. We all support the Sam Mendes movie project. Yes, indeed. peace and love. pic.twitter.com/byhnmVqsHY — #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) February 20, 2024

Whispers of the move first began when the group’s manager Stephen Taverner hinted at the prospect of a shift, confirming it in an interview with Music Business Worldwide in 2022. Taverner was quoted in the interview in the first person, describing Dirty Hit founder Jamie Obourne as “pissed off” by the decision, but said that ultimately Obourne “does understand” and that the band “were signed to him since their early 20s and they want to see what it’s like elsewhere. It’s nothing personal.” Taverner claimed that Columbia CEO Rob Stringer is a “huge fan”, and that Wolf Alice were eager to “experience something different”.

2022 saw a huge series of shows for the group, including global tour dates, supporting Harry Styles on his European tour and electric performances at Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds Festival. Their frontwoman and lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell also appeared alongside Spice Girls star Mel C and musician and actor Self Esteem on the single ‘Call Me A Lioness’, which was recorded for the England Women’s World Cup team and celebrated their historic win at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Since then, the group appear to be flying under the radar, and despite going cold on their social media channels, they still remain at the epicentre of online hype and TikTok edits.

Their last known performance was in September last year at a charity gig at the Sebright Arms in East London in aid of Barnfest, an all-day fundraiser for the children’s cancer charity Flynne’s Barn. The intimate performance included the band’s take on classics like The Pogues’ ‘I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday’, Johnny Flynn’s ‘The Water’, and the American folk song ‘Plastic Jesus’, as well as acoustic versions of their own discography. The four-piece also delivered a haunting cover of Alex G’s ‘Bobby,’ which is featured on the deluxe edition of Blue Weekend. Rumoured to be working on new music, Wolf Alice’s move marks a significant shift for the coming-of-age quartet as they embark on an exciting new chapter with Columbia Records.

Wolf Alice live at Sebright Arms in support of @flynnesbarn [9/9/23] pic.twitter.com/PRQwDYdKbI

— gherkin rowsell (@gherkinrowsell) September 11, 2023

The band first came together in 1981 in celebration of their late frontman Marley shortly after his death, and is one of several spinoffs of Bob Marley and The Wailers. Now led by Aston Barret Jr. and lead vocalist Mitchell Brunings, the group are expected to play 11 dates throughout November this year, kicking things off in Newcastle on November 13.

LEGEND 40th Anniversary UK Tour this Nov 2024! Join us to celebrate Bob Marley & The Wailers by experiencing the iconic album live. Tickets drop Feb 23 at 10am. Don’t miss out: https://t.co/P7P0Oa5Ep8 #BobMarley #TheWailers #Legend40 pic.twitter.com/LiVJyl3oiI

— The Wailers (@TheWailers) February 19, 2024

From a blurb posted on their website, Marley and Wailers fans attending live shows can expect “the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.”

The announcement of the tour follows the release of the critically acclaimed biopic Bob Marley: One Love. Landing in cinemas on February 14, the film follows the trials and tribulations of Marley’s life, and stars Peaky Blinders‘ Kingsley Ben-Adir. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film was made in close collaboration with Marley’s family, and not only honours his legacy, but observes and shines a light on other central figures in his life, such as his wife Rita and Island Records boss Chris Blackwell. Just over a week since it hit cinema screens, it has been confirmed that the film broke box office records on its first day alone, earning an eye-watering $52 million during the six-day holiday stretch.

Tickets for all shows are on sale on Friday February 23 at 10AM and are available for general purchase here. O2 Priority tickets will be available here on Wednesday 21 February at 10AM. Fans who are subscribers to the O2 mobile phone network can access the earlybird tickets through the O2 app and online portal. You can catch The Wailers on their UK tour on the dates below:

November

13/11/2024 – Newcastle – NX
14/11 – Glasgow – SWG3 Galvanizers
15/11 – Manchester – O2 Ritz
16/11 – Sheffield – The Leadmill
19/11 – Leeds – O2 Academy
20/11 – Cardiff – Tramshed
21/11 – Cambridge – The Junction
22/11 – London – Indigo at the O2
23/11 – Oxford – O2 Academy
24/11 – Bournemouth – O2 Academy
25/11 – Bristol – O2 Academy

Though the Burnley native had not initially announced or commented on his departure, he took to Instagram yesterday to break the silence and thank his colleagues, fellow presenters and listeners throughout the years. He said: “I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you’ve all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot.”

He added: “To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I’ve loved working with you it’s been an absolute blast! Big love to Katie Thisleton, Greg James, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick Hope…I’ll miss being on air with you every day. MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I’ll be back soon, and can’t wait to see you all again.”

The announcement marks a new era for the station, with Laing as the distinctive new voice of the primetime spot. The presenter rose to fame in the early 2010s during the height of the hit reality TV show Made in Chelsea. Laing has since founded multiple successful businesses such as Candy Kittens and JamPot Productions, as well as the incredibly popular comedy podcast ‘Newlyweds‘ who he hosts alongside his wife Sophie.

Having previously worked at the station during Mollie King’s maternity leave, Laing has referred to working at BBC Radio 1 and the new opportunity as “an absolute dream”, and promises to make it “the best show I possibly can for the listeners who love it so much.” Laing is expected to make his debut on the show alongside Vick Hope on Monday March 4. You can listen to the show from 15:30 – 18:00 every Monday to Thursday.

The teaser comes just a week after the Pacifier band revealed they are headlining Reading & Leeds Festival, while also teasing another upcoming show or potential tour that was announced through a photograph posted of a sheet of paper reading: “5:00pm, DOORS, 6:00pm, SHOWTIME”. Fans who are signed up to the band’s mailing list also received an email simply stating “Thursday February 22”, possibly hinting at further news surrounding live show dates and ticket releases.

Keeping their eyes peeled for further updates, fans have also spotted the same posters in and around Manchester, suggesting that the band could return to the city for a comeback show. Although the majority of posters have now been taken down, some were sighted most notably in the city’s Northern Quarter and opposite the O2 Ritz, a possible clue towards the hosting venue of the show.

This has been spotted in Manchester pic.twitter.com/IHUTiTLKzB

— The Rock Revival (@TheRockRevival_) February 12, 2024

Having not performed since September 2021, rumours began to circulate about the band’s future and whether they had split not long after their appearances at Reading & Leeds and outdoor gigs at Swansea’s Singleton Park and Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington. Now returning as a headliner at Reading & Leeds, they will also be joined by other huge acts such as Liam Gallagher, Blink-182, Gerry Cinnamon, Fred Again... and Lana Del Rey. Blink-182 are gearing up to take the festival’s main stage after more than a decade, while Gallagher is set to perform ‘Definitely Maybe‘ in full, marking its iconic 30th anniversary.

This year’s string of live shows will be their first since the departure of guitarist Johnny “Bondy” Bond in 2022, and is expected to showcase brand new material, their first major output since their UK number two album ‘The Balance‘ in 2019, which followed their Top 10 debut 2014 platinum album ‘The Balcony‘ and their number one sophomore album ‘The Ride‘.

Following a storm of speculation, Johnny Bond released an online statement in 2022, announcing that he had in fact left the band as early as March 2021, merely playing with them as a session musician during the summer shows. He commented: ‘To put it simply, I feel that both the professional and personal relationships had become entirely dysfunctional.’

He added: ‘I certainly don’t want this post to be entirely negative … You have given me some incredible experiences that will stick with me forever … I sincerely appreciate you and feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced all of this together and met so many incredible people.’

The band is currently made up of Van McCann (vocals) and Benji Blakeway (bass), with a fresh new line-up of other members soon to be unveiled. For a chance to catch a glimpse of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s return, tickets for Reading & Leeds 2024 are on sale now.

TRAINING SEASON IS OVER!!!!!! UGH OUT NOW EVERYWHERE!!!! FINALLY!!!!
THANK YOU TO THE DREAM TEAM https://t.co/fAMM6SsQE7 pic.twitter.com/08CCkjgjR8

— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) February 15, 2024

In a press release, Lipa discussed the backstory behind the single, stating: “I had been on a string of bad dates, and the last one was the final straw. The next morning I arrived to the studio to Caroline and Tobias asking me how it all went and I immediately declared “TRAINING SEASON IS OVER,” and like the best “day after” debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs and it all quickly came together from there.”

She continues: “And while it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people… men specifically in this case, how to date you right; it is also about my training season being over and me growing with every experience. I have never felt more confident, clear or empowered. And while it may be that training season is never over for any of us, you start to see the beauty in finding that person to experience it with. You stop looking for the trainees and become more interested in having someone where you are and someone to grow with.”

Lipa’s last album was 2020’s ‘Future Nostalgia’, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and earned her more than 10 billion streams on Spotify, as well as the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal in 2021. The singer is yet to share any news of her upcoming third album, but there appears to be plenty on the cards for her this year. Directed by Vincent Haylock, you can watch the full ‘Training Season‘ music video below: