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	<title>mxdwn.co.uk &#187; News</title>
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		<title>Macklemore Is Going On A ‘Free Palestine’ Tour After Being Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/macklemore-is-going-on-a-free-palestine-tour-after-being-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-tour/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:11:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maisy Ogden]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Macklemore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120556</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Macklemore has unveiled a run of European shows under the name &#8216;Free Palestine Tour&#8217;, just weeks after being pulled from Ed Sheeran&#8217;s &#8216;Loop Tour&#8217; over his pro Palestinian comments on stage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BEN (@macklemore) The rapper said he had spent the past week contacting other artists who [&#8230;]]]></description>
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<p dir="ltr">Macklemore has unveiled a run of European shows under the name &#8216;Free Palestine Tour&#8217;, just weeks after being pulled from Ed Sheeran&#8217;s &#8216;Loop Tour&#8217; over his pro Palestinian comments on stage.</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrDI-tt1sY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
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<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrDI-tt1sY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by BEN (@macklemore)</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr">The rapper said he had spent the past week contacting other artists who have used their platforms to support Palestinians, working to pull together a lineup in a hurry. He acknowledged on Instagram that many details, including scheduling, were still coming together given how fast the plans had moved.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Three dates are confirmed so far: Dublin, Paris and London&#8217;s Wembley Arena in October, with more cities expected soon, including stops in the United States. Tickets go on sale September 30th, with all money raised going toward groups aiding Palestinians, among them are Gaza Soup Kitchen, Heal Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In his announcement, Macklemore argued that public attitudes have shifted over the past three years around Palestinian rights and the influence wealthy figures can have in trying to quiet that message. He said staying neutral during a genocide no longer holds any power or change, and that audiences now expect performers to speak up rather than simply entertain.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The tour follows his removal from Sheeran&#8217;s US dates after comments made during a New Jersey concert. Robert Kraft, the New England Patriots owner whose company runs Gillette Stadium, blocked Macklemore from performing there, saying the venue would not host what he called hate speech. Several of Sheeran&#8217;s other supporting acts, including his own band, Lukas Graham and Finneas, later dropped out of the tour in solidarity.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sheeran addressed the fallout directly with fans over the weekend at a concert, apologising for how the situation had been handled and admitting he had made mistakes. He called October 7th <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/macklemore-announces-free-palestine-tour-after-ed-sheeran-controversy-13591502">&#8220;horrific&#8221;</a> while also describing the devastation in Gaza as <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/macklemore-announces-free-palestine-tour-after-ed-sheeran-controversy-13591502">&#8220;catastrophic&#8221;</a>, saying the <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/macklemore-announces-free-palestine-tour-after-ed-sheeran-controversy-13591502">&#8220;scale of civilian and child deaths had broken his heart&#8221;</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kraft said he has spent much of his life working to bring people together and pointed to his own record of supporting programs that connect young Israelis and Palestinians.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The broader conflict remains at the center of the dispute. Hamas led militants killed roughly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in the October 2023 attack. Israel&#8217;s offensive since then has killed close to 74,000 Palestinians according to Gaza&#8217;s health ministry, a toll accepted by Israel and viewed as broadly reliable by UN agencies.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Elliot Minor Reveal 20th Anniversary UK Tour For 2027</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/elliot-minor-reveal-20th-anniversary-uk-tour-for-2027/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/elliot-minor-reveal-20th-anniversary-uk-tour-for-2027/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:19:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rory Newland]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elliot Minor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madina Lake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uk music news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Tour]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120547</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[2000’s symphonic alt-rock prodigies Elliot Minor are following their 2025 live comeback with a new run of UK shows to mark 20 years since their debut single. They’ll be joined on the March tour by Madina Lake and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, who are both celebrating the same milestone for their debut albums. Elliot Minor [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>2000’s symphonic alt-rock prodigies Elliot Minor are following their 2025 live comeback with a new run of UK shows to mark 20 years since their debut single. They’ll be joined on the March tour by Madina Lake and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, who are both celebrating the same milestone for their debut albums.</p>
<p>Elliot Minor formed in 2006, and through 2007 hit the UK Top 40 with all three of their early singles: debut track ‘Parallel Worlds’ peaked at 22 and is still their biggest hit, while ‘Jessica’ scored 19th and ‘The White One Is Evil’ landed at 27. In 2008, ‘Still Figuring Out’ made their highest chart placement at 17th ahead of their debut record <em>‘Elliot Minor’</em>, which made it to sixth place on the Albums Chart. Their mix of harmony-dense rock seeped in broody, dark tones with classical instrumentation and choral vocals made them a unique standout in a scene where such musical virtuosity was less common.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/TVUvMtOekHc?si=SzVKpudcpK-HackD" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>The band went on hiatus in 2010, interrupted by a fleeting temporary return in 2014, before fully reuniting in 2024. In 2025, they released ‘How Does it Feel’, their first new single in 15 years, and followed it up with a sold-out UK tour and a packed-out set at Download Festival.</p>
<p>They announced the new tour today, along with two stellar supports from the mid-2000s US emo scene – Madina Lake who celebrate the 2007 release of breakthrough first album ‘<em>From Them, Through Us, to You’; </em>and the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, whose debut ‘<em>Don’t You Fake It</em>’ and biggest single ‘Face Down’ both turned 20 earlier this year. The tour is set to visit Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Bournemouth, Manchester and Bristol before ending in a big show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. Check out the venues and dates on the post below:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddl6NH-BpLQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
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<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddl6NH-BpLQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Elliot Minor (@elliotminoruk)</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As covered by Rock Sound, Elliot Minor vocalist and guitarist Alex Davies says in a statement “<a href="https://rocksound.tv/news/elliot-minor-announce-20th-anniversary-tour?utm_source=x&amp;utm_medium=owned_social&amp;utm_campaign=elliot-minor-announce-20th-anniversary-tour" target="_blank">coming back together for the reunion tour in 2025 was such an amazing and nostalgic experience for all of us. We genuinely didn’t know what to expect after so many years away, and it was unbelievably surreal to walk out each night and see so many people there, singing every word back at us. There were moments where we’d just look at each other on stage and think, ‘How is this happening again? The response to the shows reminded us just how much our band and songs still mean to people.&#8221;</a></p>
<p>&#8220;<a href="https://rocksound.tv/news/elliot-minor-announce-20th-anniversary-tour?utm_source=x&amp;utm_medium=owned_social&amp;utm_campaign=elliot-minor-announce-20th-anniversary-tour" target="_blank">Some of these songs were actually written back in our school/college days pre-2007, which is pretty crazy to think about – especially seeing people that age now discovering the band for the first time. It really re-ignited something in us. We’ve also been spending time together writing and recording new music, and we’re incredibly excited to get that out there as part of our 20th Anniversary alongside all the 2000s nostalgia. Having the opportunity to get back out there and play alongside bands that we’ve loved for years, including Madina Lake and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, makes this upcoming tour feel even more special. There’s a real sense of nostalgia around it, but at the same time it feels like we’ve entered a completely new chapter for Elliot Minor. We’re pumped for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get back out there.”</a></p>
<p>The tickets for Elliot Minor’s 20th anniversary tour next year go on sale across this week, <a href="https://www.elliotminor.com/?utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio&amp;fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadILBu4fNL-twiLmIwXDvjbueyMCSyzDlOQf4QA1tWPZr0kSfqxs7kCQqYZAw_aem_u8gkTVPqcY2OMeICrOi9kg" target="_blank">opening with presale on Wednesday September 23 and general sale commencing on Friday 24.</a></p>
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		<title>Ed Sheeran Speaks Out At First Show Following Macklemore Blowback</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-speaks-out-at-first-show-following-macklemore-blowback/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/ed-sheeran-speaks-out-at-first-show-following-macklemore-blowback/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:16:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rory Newland]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ed Sheeran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gaza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loop Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Macklemore]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[After major derailments to his North American Loop Tour earlier in September, Ed Sheeran has made a statement to clear the air at his most recent show. The British star saw all of his remaining support acts drop out of the tour following rapper Macklemore’s removal over a pro-Palestine speech during his sets in New Jersey. [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After major derailments to his North American <em>Loop Tour</em> earlier in September, Ed Sheeran has made a statement to clear the air at his most recent show. The British star saw all of his remaining support acts drop out of the tour following <a href="https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-us-tour-over-free-palestine-stage-protests-rapper-speaks-out/" target="_blank">rapper Macklemore’s removal over a pro-Palestine speech during his sets in New Jersey.</a></p>
<p>Macklemore’s impassioned mid-set protest speech about the state of affairs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank drew accusations of hate speech and antisemitism from several prominent Jewish voices, including singer Pink, the Israeli American Council and billionaire Robert Kraft. Following a reported direct intervention by Kraft, who owns the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, where the tour will stop later this week, Macklemore was forced to leave the run, allegedly by Sheeran’s management team.</p>
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<p><script src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" async=""></script>The ensuing backlash saw Sheeran come under continuous fire on social media for dropping the American rapper for speaking out, and saw Sheeran’s own morals scrutinised for his attempts to remain politically neutral throughout. As the dominoes fell, all of the support acts withdrew themselves from the tour – US genius FINNEAS, Danish group Lukas Graham, and Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Boega all pulled out, before even Sheeran’s backing musicians also left. Coming into the most recent night of the <em>Loop Tour</em> on Saturday September 19, there were doubts that Ed Sheeran would be able to perform at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field at all. However, in a parallel to the beginning of his career where he gained a reputation for busking and playing hundreds of pop-up shows around the UK, on the night Sheeran turned up and made most of it happen with just a guitar and a microphone (along with some help from new backing musicians). But before the music commenced, he opened the evening with an acknowledgement of the events of this week. He first weighed in on how he’s used to criticism for his music, which he remarks isn’t for everyone, before saying “but this week, the criticism was about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I’m so, so sorry.”   </p>
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<p><script src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" async=""></script><br />
“I don’t want to disappoint fans, and I’ve never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about freedom of speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” he added, before speaking about how his priority is to make concerts safe spaces for fans and continue to run the tour for them. Speaking indirectly about the boycott on Macklemore by Kraft and other stadium-owners, he said “I am deeply worried about the idea that venues should pre-approve content for performers. This happens in so many places that I perform around the world, but it should never happen in the free world.”</p>
<p>He then finally spoke about Israel and Palestine, saying “I’ve tried in my career to not be a political commentator of any kind because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division, about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it any more.” He cautiously addressed both sides of the ongoing conflict, continuing “what happened in Israel at the Nova music festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives. And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”</p>
<p>Later in the show, Sheeran began another statement of how close he came to calling it quits over the tour, and his career as a whole. “Tonight has been honestly the best show of my life,” he told the crowd – “I really didn’t know whether this tour would carry on, I really didn’t know whether I’d get on stage again, whether I even wanted to be an artist at all.” He then thanked the fans for sticking by him and celebrated the amount of tickets that continued to sell after the fallout from Macklemore’s removal.</p>
<p>For many of his detractors, Ed Sheeran’s emotional speeches may be too little too late, but as a gesture Sheeran, Robert Kraft and Macklemore have all reportedly made large donations to Palestinian charities, with Macklemore donating his full takings from the two nights of the tour he performed on. The <em>Loop Tour</em> continues with two nights at the Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26 – check out Ed Sheeran’s setlist from the Lincoln Financial Field below:</p>
<p><strong>1. Castle on the Hill</strong><br />
<strong> 2. Shivers</strong><br />
<strong> 3. The A Team</strong><br />
<strong> 4. Sapphire</strong><br />
<strong> 5. Don’t</strong><br />
<strong> 6. Eyes Closed</strong><br />
<strong> 7. I’m a Mess</strong><br />
<strong> 8. Take It Back / Superstition / Ain’t No Sunshine</strong><br />
<strong> 9. Lego House</strong><br />
<strong> 10. Supermarket Flowers</strong><br />
<strong> 11. Tenerife Sea</strong><br />
<strong> 12. Give Me Love</strong><br />
<strong>(with backing band)</strong><br />
<strong> 13. Galway Girl</strong><br />
<strong> 14. Nancy Mulligan</strong><br />
<strong> 15. I Don’t Care</strong><br />
<strong> 16. Old Phone</strong><br />
<strong> 17. Camera</strong><br />
<strong> 18. Celestial</strong><br />
<strong> 19. Photograph</strong><br />
<strong> 20. Eastside / 2002 / Cold Water / Little Things / Love Yourself</strong><br />
<strong> 21. Thinking Out Loud</strong><br />
<strong> 22. Perfect</strong><br />
<strong> 23. I See Fire</strong><br />
<strong> 24. Blood Stream</strong><br />
<strong> 25. Afterglow</strong><br />
<strong>(Encore)</strong><br />
<strong> 26. You Need Me, I Don’t Need You</strong><br />
<strong> 27. Shape of Yourself</strong><br />
<strong> 28. Azizam</strong><br />
<strong> 29. Bad Habits</strong></p>
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		<title>Mariah Carey Announces UK Dates for &#8216;Christmastime&#8217; Arena Tour</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/mariah-carey-announces-uk-dates-for-christmastime-arena-tour/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/mariah-carey-announces-uk-dates-for-christmastime-arena-tour/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Johnson]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[All I Want For Christmas Is You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mariah Carey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uk music news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Tour]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[US pop star, Mariah Carey, has announced UK dates for her upcoming holiday-themed tour. Carey will play 3 dates at UK arenas this November and December.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) The Christmastime Tour will bring its holiday cheer to the UK beginning on Friday November 27 at [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>US pop star, Mariah Carey, has announced UK dates for her upcoming holiday-themed tour. Carey will play 3 dates at UK arenas this November and December.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
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<p>The <i>Christmastime Tour </i>will bring its holiday cheer to the UK beginning on Friday November 27 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. She will head to London’s O2 Arena on Monday 30 November before finishing off the run with a show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Wednesday December 2. After that she will play a special one-off show in Malta at MFCC on December 8.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The set is said to include Carey’s long list of festive hits as well as fan favourites and global hits. Carey’s smash hit, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is already confirmed for the night. Released in 1994 on her first holiday album, &#8216;<i>Merry Christmas,&#8217; </i>‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ has become the global harbinger for the holiday season. <a href="https://x.com/MariahCarey/status/1455021954763792397?s=20">Almost every year, Carey makes anticipatory posts</a> as early as November 1, teasing the beginning of ‘#MariahSzn’ with the crescendo of her global hit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/christmas-mariah-carey-queen-song-346d94b58c268edb5a7fcb3c912e982c">In 2023, Associated Press estimated</a> the total royalty earnings for the song to be $100 million. The song reached Number 1 on UK Charts for the first time in 2020 and has stayed in the Top 5 every year after. Last December, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was also certified 10x Platinum in the UK (equivalent of 6,000,000 units). It is currently the UK&#8217;s highest-selling single by a female artist.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXQViqx6GMY?si=PuVX7nxdGLnd17Zo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/christmas-mariah-carey-queen-song-346d94b58c268edb5a7fcb3c912e982c">Associated Press interviewed Berklee College of Music professor in 2023</a> about the hit’s longevity. He said “It’s a wishing song and it works narratively” and that “[it] works as a love and holiday song. Carey sets it up: She doesn’t care about all the holiday trappings, she has one thing — one person — on her mind. It’s kept vague whether it’s a lover or someone she yearns for.” This festive yearning has continued to capture the hearts of the world more than 30 years since its release: ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ reenters global charts every holiday season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nme.com/big-reads/mariah-carey-cover-interview-2021-fall-in-love-at-christmas-3120794">But despite all this success, Carey told <i>NME </i>in 2021 </a>that she had some hesitation about making her first Christmas album in 1994, saying, “doesn’t that happen later in life?” But she eventually agreed to the album because of her genuine love for the holiday. When asked about the video for the 1994 hit song, she said, “ I remember certain things that weren’t great about that time, but I also see my true happiness shining through.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Carey is planning to bring that true happiness to the UK this holiday season, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdiygLSibLn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">telling fans on Instagram,</a> “I cant wait to celebrate with you!” Tickets to the <i>Christmastime Tour </i>go on pre-sale this Wednesday September 23 and Thursday September 24. General sale opens Friday September 25. More information can be found <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/mariah-carey-tickets/artist/767870?irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1&amp;utm_source=2862475-NME%20Networks%20Media%20Limited&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=2862475&amp;awtrc=&amp;camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_2862475&amp;ircid=24023&amp;clickId=RixWBE0sRxyZRO03KGQTYVmMUkrzANXNCVDoy40">here.</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><b>Mariah Carey’s </b><b><i>Christmastime Tour </i></b><b>2026 UK Dates:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p>
<p>27/11 — Utilita Arena — Birmingham, UK<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>30/11 — The O2 Arena — London, UK<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>02/12 — Co-op Live — Manchester, UK<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Deepdale Festival Brings Folk Back To Norfolk</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/deepdale-festival-brings-folk-back-to-norfolk/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/deepdale-festival-brings-folk-back-to-norfolk/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 22:21:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Izabella Draczkowska]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[acoustic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deepdale Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[folk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[norfolk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roots]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120509</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Folk music is taking centre stage on the Norfolk Coast this September as Deepdale Festival returns for its eighth annual celebration of acoustic music, the outdoors and community. Taking place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026, the four-day festival offers something distinct from the noise and busy crowds often associated with larger music [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Folk music is taking centre stage on the Norfolk Coast this September as Deepdale Festival returns for its eighth annual celebration of acoustic music, the outdoors and community.</p>
<p>Taking place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026, the four-day festival offers something distinct from the noise and busy crowds often associated with larger music events. At Deepdale, the focus is on creating an atmosphere where audiences can appreciate how much can be achieved through unamplified and intimate acoustic sounds.</p>
<p>The festival describes itself as a &#8220;<a href="https://deepdalecamping.co.uk/festival/" target="_blank">small but perfectly formed Music Festival with a Heart of Folk across 4 stages on the last weekend of September&#8221;</a>. Over the four days, festival-goers can enjoy over 50 acts across four unique stages: the Brick Barn, Orchard Stage, Courtyard and Cafe Stage.</p>
<p>The festival gets off to a strong start on Thursday, with Joe &amp; Mary, Dear Wife and East Angles Brass as the first performers to take the Orchard Stage. The evening then continues with a special 9pm session from Blackbeards Tea Party in the Brick Barn.</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K21qErZ1wGc?si=oZkTCDkiEkxGSynP" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>One <strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">particularly</span></strong> impressive aspect of Deepdale festival is the carefully planned schedule. Despite offering more than 40 hours of live music, performances are scheduled without clashes, meaning visitors can, if they wish, see every act rather than having to choose between their favourites.</p>
<p>The music is only part of the attraction. Deepdale places an emphasis on community, with local street food and artisan markets adding to the festival experience and giving people plenty of time to explore between performances.  Meanwhile, for those looking to take it easy, Deepdale offers yoga classes, meditation sessions and massages which allow for a refreshing start to the morning.</p>
<p>The surroundings are just as much part of the experience. One of the festival&#8217;s main venues, the Brick Barn, is an authentic 16th-century farm barn, where modern sound technology meets a century old setting. While it may be considered an unusual place for live music, the contrast gives Deepdale a character of its own.</p>
<p>Around 500 people make the trip to Deepdale festival each year, with on site camping often booked way in advance. For those staying overnight, nearby lodges offer an alternative option, while day tickets mean you can come and go without committing to the full four days. They range from £60 to £70, compared with the full £150 ticket price and are available to buy <a title="Tickets " href="https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/102309/sessions">here</a>.</p>
<p>Friday sets the musical pace with performances from George Boomsma, Langkamer and Sam Kelly &amp; The Lost Boys taking to the Brick Barn, while Honey &amp; The Bear and 3 Daft Monkeys bring vibrancy to the Orchard Stage. Saturday shifts the mood again, with Veduna, Floral Image and Neev adding their own creative flare to the festival&#8217;s acoustic side, alongside the Shackleton Trio on the Orchard. By Sunday, things are winding down but hardly quietly with 5 hills out among the acts on the Orchard Stage, before Noble Jacks brings the official festival run to a close.</p>
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<p>With more than 50 acts spread across the weekend, Deepdale&#8217;s lineup moves between folk, acoustic, roots and contemporary sounds, with enough variety to keep you wandering between stages. It&#8217;s this mix that gives the festival its character.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/deepdale-festival-poster.jpeg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-120533" src="http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/deepdale-festival-poster-600x600.jpeg" alt="deepdale festival poster" width="600" height="600" /></a></p>
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		<title>British Alt Rock Group POLAT Speaks Out On Music Distribution Service Issues</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/british-alt-rock-group-polat-speaks-out-on-music-distribution-service-issues/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/british-alt-rock-group-polat-speaks-out-on-music-distribution-service-issues/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:41:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hamish Ely]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Independent artists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music Platforms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[POLAT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK Music]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Femme fronted Sheffield based band POLAT’s lead singer Ruby Kenny took to Instagram to discuss the issues her band had encountered with music distribution industry giant DistroKid. She detailed how POLAT’s lead single ‘POV’ off their forthcoming EP ‘Something The Cat Dragged In’ had been blocked from releasing by an automated system for issues with the [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Femme fronted Sheffield based band POLAT’s lead singer Ruby Kenny took to Instagram to discuss the issues her band had encountered with music distribution industry giant DistroKid. She detailed how POLAT’s lead single ‘POV’ off their forthcoming EP ‘<em>Something The Cat Dragged In</em>’ had been blocked from releasing by an automated system for issues with the cover art. The platform provided no direct information for what the issue might be outside of a vague list of guidelines; none of which applied to POLAT’s release, which featured an image of the group with the band&#8217;s logo in the corner, both parts self-made. POLAT are not the only musicians who have faced alleged issues with the platform; as many users have taken to platforms like Reddit to complain. For example one user posted about <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/musicproduction/comments/1u0319g/distrokid_is_absolute_trash_avoid_at_all_costs/" target="_blank">“a release that DistroKid has f****d up… For the last 3 months they have not fixed the metadata associated with my release… this is the 3rd release this has happened to me with on DistroKid and they really don’t care to ever fix the issue.</a>”</p>
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<p>In 2021,<a href="https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/distrokid-new-anti-fraud-standards-unlike-cd-baby/" target="_blank"> DistroKid claimed over 40% of new music was being distributed through their platform</a>, as users were originally drawn in by the low cost and fluid ability to independently release new music. The large share of the market that DistroKid holds causes potential for huge issues when situations like these arise as it allows for the platform to avoid accountability or provide bare minimum compensation to those affected. As <a href="https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/distrokid-new-anti-fraud-standards-unlike-cd-baby/" target="_blank">demonstrated by DistroKid avoiding signing IFPI’s (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) new anti-fraud standards</a>. Current signees include industry titans like Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony and DistroKid’s rival CD Baby. <a href="https://www.ifpi.org/music-companies-unite-in-new-commitment-to-combat-streaming-fraud-in-order-to-protect-artists-songwriters-and-fans/" target="_blank">The ‘Streaming Integrity Initiative’ sets out five baseline practices that distributors should adopt to counter fraud:</a></p>
<ol>
<li>&#8220;Verify rights ownership and customer identities through robust rights verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes;</li>
<li>Vet content using effective tools and processes to identify infringement, fraudulent activity and AI-related risks;</li>
<li>Act by detecting, investigating and mitigating suspected fraud, including acting against repeat offenders;</li>
<li>Share intelligence, where legally permissible, to help prevent bad actors from moving across services and platforms; and</li>
<li>Measure and continuously strengthen anti-fraud systems to address evolving threats.”</li>
</ol>
<p>A platform that holds such a large share of the independent distribution market not signing on poses a huge potential risk to independent musicians and bands like POLAT; who are trying to establish themselves amongst a rising of sea of AI generated music that floods playlists and other avenues of discoverability that are vital to growing a fanbase.</p>
<p>DistroKid is also under legal pressure as UMG is reportedly suing the platform over alleged deceptive trade practices and infringing on the label’s copyright by pumping out “<a href="https://variety.com/2026/music/news/universal-music-group-sues-distrokid-ai-slop-pipeline-1236863076/" target="_blank">AI-generated ‘slop’ that siphons revenue and listeners from the legitimate artists and rightsholders.</a>” In court documents obtained by Billboard, UMG’s lawyers argue that “<a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/universal-music-sues-distrokid-in-lawsuit-over-ai-songs/" target="_blank">Plaintiffs bring this action to stop DistroKid’s market-disorienting practices that mislead for its own gain at plaintiffs’ expense, and to remedy DistroKid’s massive infringement and continued efforts to build its business on the backs of Plaintiffs and their recording artists.” </a>Further arguing that whilst DistroKid promotes itself as a distributor for independent music it has in recent years become a platform of AI generated songs, which only serve to hurt real artists and overwhelm listeners. The current lack of regulation on AI generated music is the basis for a wave of policy changes and lawsuits such as this from music companies and digital platforms as they attempt to grapple with a wildly developing industry. Though most importantly, the influx of AI generated music has wildly altered the landscape of small independent musicians like POLAT who have to compete with fake acts that clog up discovery channels. Such as the case highlighted in the lawsuit by UMG of an artist called <a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/universal-music-sues-distrokid-in-lawsuit-over-ai-songs/" target="_blank">“Lofi Chill” who had “released 4,562 tracks over a year” which is “the equivalent of 20-30 full-length albums every month, a pace no human musician could achieve.” </a>Platforms are implementing changes that will hopefully alleviate some of these issues for real independent artists like POLAT: Spotify has stated that it plans to add labels to AI-generated artists whilst Apple has said it will start to label any songs that were “<a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/apple-music-to-label-ai-generated-music/" target="_blank">materially generated using AI.”</a></p>
<p>Whilst these widespread issues are plaguing the independent music scene; thankfully in POLAT’s case their distribution issue has seemingly been resolved as ‘POV’ has finally been released onto streaming platforms. Though cynically it isn&#8217;t unlikely that the band’s viral post had a hand in expediting the resolution. Check it out below:</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3nrcnGTXVfWLss59ranLu7?utm_source=generator&amp;si=ee32c11360f54aeb" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>
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		<title>Canterbury&#8217;s Shadowlands Festival Announces Full Line-up, With Foetus + 20 Piece Orchestra Headline Set</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/canterburys-shadowlands-festival-announces-full-line-up-with-foetus-20-piece-orchestra-headline-set/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/canterburys-shadowlands-festival-announces-full-line-up-with-foetus-20-piece-orchestra-headline-set/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rory Newland]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electronic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[experimental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Live]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shadowlands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uk music news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120485</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Canterbury’s new flagship festival for experimental music, Shadowlands, has announced its full line-up for its 2027 maiden outing. Held at the University of Kent’s Gulbenkian Arts Centre, the four-day festival will see JG Thirlwell bring his project Foetus to the UK for the first time in over 25 years, backed by a 20-piece chamber orchestra, [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Canterbury’s new flagship festival for experimental music, Shadowlands, has announced its full line-up for its 2027 maiden outing. Held at the University of Kent’s Gulbenkian Arts Centre, the four-day festival will see JG Thirlwell bring his project Foetus to the UK for the first time in over 25 years, backed by a 20-piece chamber orchestra, as well as sets by Lustmord and Test Dept.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shadowlands-lineup.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-120486" src="http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shadowlands-lineup-600x600.jpg" alt="shadowlands lineup" width="600" height="600" /></a></p>
<p>Shadowlands was announced this July as an international festival for what Shadowlands&#8217; promotion team calls the “adventurous listening category” of music. Former Head of Artistic Development at the Royal Festival Hall and South Bank Centre David Sefton, who founded London’s famous Meltdown Festival in 1993, is launching his first new event since then – he says “<a href="https://shadowlandsfestival.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">The idea is to bring something new to the festival landscape that is genuinely original.</a>” Digging below the surface of the industry for the more untapped and enigmatic acts is at the heart of the project: “There are many great independent events in the UK, but all to an extent are tied into a ‘next big thing’ pattern. However, there are so many extraordinary artists out there who are as unique and exciting as the day they started, whether six months ago or forty years ago. Shadowlands is all about them.”</p>
<p>The major draw on next year’s bill looks to be the exclusive return of Foetus, brainchild of Australian avant-garde creative JG Thirlwell. After releasing his first album since 2013 with this year’s ‘<em>Halt</em>’, Thirlwell is playing his first UK date in over 25 years, and only his second-ever orchestral one at Shadowlands. He will be accompanied by what he has dubbed the “Foetus Orchestra”, which features strings, woodwind, and brass sections, as well as a harp, guitar, bass and drums.</p>
<p>Another exciting act is Welsh industrial pioneer Brian Williams, AKA Lustmord. Known for his collaborations with members of experimental US acts Tool and Melvins, as well as his unique video game scores, Lustmord will bring something unnervingly dark to proceedings. Other highlights from the first wave of acts include influential London industrial group Test Dept, plus the return of post-punk supergroup Githead after a 13-year hiatus.</p>
<p>The latest drop of 16 new acts to round out the bill came last week on September 10. Southend-on-Sea’s These New Puritans bring their genre-spanning sound, American duo Matmos will be there with their unpredictable electronic arsenal of samples as well as spin-off project The Soft Pink Truth, and Sheffield industrial funk band Hula are reforming for their first live show in nearly 40 years. JG Thirlwell has also confirmed another solo set across the festival, where he will revisit the score he wrote for Harry Smith’s 1962 cult classic film <em>Heaven and Earth Magic.</em></p>
<p>So what else can you expect from Shadowlands? As co-founder David Sefton asks and answers, “<a href="https://shadowlandsfestival.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">Ultimately, it’s really about asking the question: “what is the most exciting line-up of the most adventurous music ever made?” And then booking it.</a>” Alongside 35 huge acts, Shadowlands is set to hold talks, panel discussions, Q&amp;As and a film programme across four days and 3 stages on the University of Kent campus and it’s Gulbenkian Arts Centre. <a href="https://shadowlandsfestival.co.uk/about/tickets/" target="_blank">Tickets are on sale now for £280 for all 4 days,</a> with accommodation also available to book on-site at the university. The first ever Shadowlands festival arrives in Canterbury July 1-4 2027.</p>
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		<title>Oasis Announce Live ‘27 World Tour Including Return To Knebworth After 30 Years</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/oasis-announce-live-27-world-tour-including-return-to-knebworth-after-30-years/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/oasis-announce-live-27-world-tour-including-return-to-knebworth-after-30-years/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:32:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maisy Ogden]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oasis]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120465</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oasis have officially confirmed their long rumoured comeback, revealing details of the Oasis Live &#8217;27 World Tour earlier today in an announcement made through a spectacular drone display above the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The news brings to an end months of speculation and cryptic Instagram posts that had fans guessing for months and even [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p dir="ltr">Oasis have officially confirmed their long rumoured comeback, revealing details of the Oasis Live &#8217;27 World Tour earlier today in an announcement made through a spectacular drone display above the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The news brings to an end months of speculation and cryptic Instagram posts that had fans guessing for months and even since the band wrapped up their triumphant Live &#8217;25 reunion tour.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The new tour will see Liam and Noel Gallagher play 38 shows across nine countries, including Scotland and England. Aside from homecoming dates in Manchester, the band will be performing in an entirely new set of cities compared with their 2025 run, giving fans across the globe who weren&#8217;t as lucky last year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Among the most anticipated stops is a long awaited return to Knebworth, the Hertfordshire venue where Oasis played two legendary nights in August 1996 in front of hundreds of thousands of fans. The 2027 shows will mark the band&#8217;s first appearance there in over three decades and come almost exactly thirty years after those career defining performances, which remain among the most celebrated moments in British music history!</p>
<p dir="ltr">The tour will kick off in May 2027 with a run of shows at Celtic Park in Glasgow, before heading to stops including Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. The band will also cross the Atlantic for dates in Boston and Las Vegas, along with performances at Slane Castle in Ireland. Special guest Richard Ashcroft will join the band at every show on the tour, making the tour another a major event for Britpop fans.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Announcing the news, Oasis released a characteristically bold statement declaring themselves fit to return and ready to lift spirits once again, following what they described as a period of reflection after the enormous success of Live &#8217;25.</p>
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src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" async=""></script></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Ticket registration for Oasis Live &#8217;27 is now open and will run through until September 17th<a href="https://oasisinet.com/home/"> here!</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Tickets go on general release from September 25th, with specific times varying by city.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Standard ticket prices are expected to range from around £122 to £541 including fees and taxes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">With Oasis Live &#8217;27 promising an equally ambitious scale, and Knebworth back in the mix, fans are already bracing themselves for the ultimate scramble for tickets.</p>
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		<title>Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran US Tour Over &#8216;Free Palestine&#8217; Stage Protests – Rapper Speaks Out</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-us-tour-over-free-palestine-stage-protests-rapper-speaks-out/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/macklemore-dropped-from-ed-sheeran-us-tour-over-free-palestine-stage-protests-rapper-speaks-out/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:20:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rory Newland]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ed Sheeran]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Macklemore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uk music news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120460</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ed Sheeran’s blockbuster Loop US stadium tour is into its fourth month on the road, but since its first September stops at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium the run has found itself at the centre of political discourse. US rapper Macklemore announced this evening that he has been removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian demonstrations during [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ed Sheeran’s blockbuster <em>Loop</em> US stadium tour is into its fourth month on the road, but since its first September stops at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium the run has found itself at the centre of political discourse. US rapper Macklemore announced this evening that he has been removed from the tour following pro-Palestinian demonstrations during his sets in East Rutherford, NJ. The protests started a wave of high-profile online backlash, with artists like singer Pink demanding his withdrawal, while others including Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson have stood in support of Macklemore.</p>
<p>English chart-topping singer-songwriter Sheeran started the <em>Loop Tour</em> in support of his 2025 UK Number One Album <em>‘Play’</em> this January, visiting New Zealand, Australia and Latin America in the first half of the year. The North American leg kicked off in June, with British star Myles Smith acting as lead support act for the majority of dates until the last August show in Detroit, Michigan.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p><script src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" async=""></script>Macklemore was scheduled to be main support for the second stretch, with September’s shows starting with two nights at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, followed by one at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and two at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. During both shows at the MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5, <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2096523230672523706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2096523230672523706%7Ctwgr%5Efdf193e912f674445216bbde0b71326c263064d4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fnews%2Fmusic%2Fmacklemore-issues-free-palestine-plea-prompting-calls-for-his-removal-from-ed-sheeran-tour-3967247" target="_blank">he opened his pro-Palestine protest song ‘Hind’s Hall’ with a passionate speech addressing the worsening situations in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.</a> In the break from the music, he said he wanted the people of Palestine to know “they have not been forgotten”, and spoke of other global issues, adding “I say Free Palestine, free Cuba, Congo, Sudan and Iran and all the people of America who live in fear because of this terrorist organisation ICE.” In the conflict following on from the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack in 2023, it has been concluded that Israel are committing genocide in Palestine by both the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds" target="_blank">United Nations</a> and <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde15/8668/2024/en/" target="_blank">Amnesty International</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g7zen0vveo" target="_blank">British Government have placed sanctions on illegal Israeli West Bank settlements</a> in recent weeks. The Israeli government denies all allegations regarding genocide and war crimes.</p>
<p>Macklemore’s actions were met with outrage by Israeli and Jewish groups including the Israeli American Council, <a href="https://forms.monday.com/forms/f163b4356de725b93cde321cf3f1e2d5?r=use1" target="_blank">which started a petition to Sheeran and his management team to drop the rapper from the remaining tour dates</a>. Singer Pink (stylised P!NK) shared a post by page StopAntisemitism calling for Macklemore’s removal, before writing her own feelings about the effect of the incident on Jewish-Americans in an Instagram update. Her comment says in-part <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdKPJsVTvtl/" target="_blank">“You don&#8217;t have to agree with one thing Israel&#8217;s government does to not want the Jewish family two rows down from you to be scared or targeted at a concert.”</a>    </p>
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<p><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRdsy0m2HK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by BEN (@macklemore)</a>
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<p><script src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js" async=""></script><br />
This evening, Macklemore announced on social media that he had been removed from all future dates of the <em>Loop Tour</em>, citing that the decision was made by “Ed Sheeran and his team”. In the post, he alleges that in conversation with Sheeran he found out that Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the Gillette Stadium – which was set to host the next two dates of the tour, would block the events if Macklemore was performing. In his own words, “Ed told me that Kraft said I would not be allowed to perform in his stadium. Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.” Macklemore clarifies in the piece that there is no ill-feeling with Ed Sheeran, and cements his philosophy that the two shows he played were worth it to send his message: “Free Palestine.&#8221;</p>
<p>Many figures in music have backed Macklemore’s resolve throughout, including <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRfSHDCQva/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=AnqtddwxqgBccZieh4PjjCz" target="_blank">Garbage singer Shirley Manson, who described his dismissal in an Instagram post as “madness. Sheer madness.” </a>and Foo Fighter’s guitarist Chris Shiflett, <a href="https://x.com/ChrisShiflett71/status/2097715382299881660" target="_blank">who in conversation on the matter on X with blues artist Joe Bonamassa wrote “maybe speaking out against genocide trumps etiquette.”</a> Elsewhere, Macklemore’s Instagram comments have seen replies from stars including UK rock group Bob Vylan frontman Bobby Vylan, who quoted the line <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRdsy0m2HK/?img_index=12" target="_blank">“There is no thanks for a duty”</a>. Bobby Vylan was at the centre of a year-long investigation by the Met Police, following his pro-Palestine speech and chants of “death to the IDF” during the band’s 2025 Glastonbury appearance –<a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/bobby-vylan-face-no-further-action-death-idf-chant-tells-police-do-real-work-3965344" target="_blank"> the Met Police announced in August that they will be taking no further action.</a></p>
<p>Messina Touring Group, who are the promoter for the US <em>Loop Tour</em> dates, told <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/macklemore-dropped-ed-sheeran-tour-pro-palestine-statements-1235625967/" target="_blank">Rolling Stone</a> that they had been informed by the venues that shows would not go ahead with Macklemore on the bill, and confirmed that the tour will continue without him. <a href="https://variety.com/2026/music/news/robert-kraft-macklemore-ed-sheeran-tour-palestine-1236861621/" target="_blank">Variety</a> have since published a statement by Robert Kraft explaining his reasoning for axing Macklemore, which says &#8220;Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech.&#8221;</p>
<p>For Ed Sheeran, the show must go on. His remaining shows for September are at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on the 19th, and the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on the 25th and 26th.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>New Live Music Festival Announced For Taunton – Somerset Sounds</title>
		<link>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/new-live-music-festival-announced-for-taunton-somerset-sounds/</link>
		<comments>https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/new-live-music-festival-announced-for-taunton-somerset-sounds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:07:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rory Newland]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Live Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Somerset Sounds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uk music news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=120439</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Westcountry is getting an exciting new music festival held in a cricket ground, starting in 2027. Named Somerset Sounds, the event will hold two days of music at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton next August. &#160; View this post on Instagram A post shared by Somerset Sounds (@somerset_sounds) &#160; Created from a [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Westcountry is getting an exciting new music festival held in a cricket ground, starting in 2027. Named Somerset Sounds, the event will hold two days of music at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton next August.</p>
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<p>Created from a partnership forged between Somerset County Cricket Club, who play their games at the ground, and award-winning live events company Full Fat 360, Somerset Sounds aims to develop a new annual live experience for the South West of England. The Cooper Associates County Ground has previously hosted shows from the likes of Elton John, Lionel Ritchie and Rod Stewart, but this will be a big rise in its profile as a music hotspot. In a statement published by local news site SomersetLive, Full Fat 360 founder Oli Bartlam says <a href="https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/new-music-festival-bring-star-11150880" target="_blank">“The Cooper Associates County Ground already has an incredible legacy of hosting world-class live entertainment, and Somerset Sounds is the next ambitious step in that evolution.”</a></p>
<p>While the South West is seeing a resurgence in its live music scene through schemes like Powderham Castle’s summer events near Exeter and alternative music gathering Burn It Down in Torbay, both in Devon, this marks a new ambitious move forward for Taunton, where most of the largest cultural happenings tend to gravitate towards nearby Glastonbury or Bristol. Bartlam touches on this in the rest of his statement, saying <a href="https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/new-music-festival-bring-star-11150880" target="_blank">“Taunton and the wider region have a massive appetite for major live music, and this partnership allows us to establish the region as a destination on the national touring circuit. We’re thrilled to be working with Somerset County Cricket Club to bring international acts to this iconic venue and build an event series the entire South West can be proud of. Summer 2027 is only the beginning.”</a></p>
<p>SomersetLive report that Somerset County Cricket Club is already a major part of Taunton’s economy, in 2025 providing over 200 jobs and bringing over £20 million to the city. Jamie Cox, CEO of the club said of the project “<a href="https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/new-music-festival-bring-star-11150880" target="_blank">Somerset Sounds represents an important step in the evolution of the Club and the Cooper Associates County Ground. Cricket will always be at the heart of who we are, but we have a much wider ambition for the venue and for the role it can play within Somerset. We want to create experiences that bring new audiences to Taunton from across the South West and beyond, while generating meaningful economic and cultural benefits for the County.”</a></p>
<p><a href="https://somersetsounds.co.uk/" target="_blank">Somerset Sounds</a> was first announced yesterday, September 10, with a set of brand new social media accounts. So far, the latest information is a post on Instagram which claims their “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdHPfYaNHx-/" target="_blank">first artist reveal is just around the corner</a>”. You can sign up <a href="https://arep.co/p/somerset-sounds-2027?fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAad00BvmEQisqv4lxOfEbkm2MT0ctiQzWfGykfZmbWrEvNUH0mynSd4qQnuAAA_aem_gROOl6zI3dYrdS1lLCeCAw&amp;utm_source=ig&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=link_in_bio" target="_blank">here</a> for the latest reveals as they break before the festival makes its debut in August 2027.</p>
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