Opening up in the upcoming BBC documentary, When Bruce Springsteen Came To Britain, Springsteen finally spoke about the large donation for the first time in 40 years.

‘The Boss’ presented two miners’ wives with a $20,000 cheque backstage at a show in Newcastle in 1985, addressed to the Northumberland and Durham Miners’ Support Group.

Miners had been battling for over a year with the government as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher looked to shut down mines up-and-down the country.

Speaking in the new BBC film, Springsteen said: “My parents were working class people and I watched them struggle their whole lives.

“I’d been reading about it (the strike) in the newspapers and so it was just something that felt it would be a good thing to do. It wasn’t a big thing, it was just a good thing to do at the time.”

Although it may not have been a “big thing” for the ‘Badlands’ rocker, it was life-changing for the support groups he was helping out.

Anne Suddick and Juliana Heron, who both ran mining support groups, were at the St James Park concert together, with Mrs. Heron saying in the documentary that a man tapped her friend on the shoulder and asked if she could “please come and meet Bruce Springsteen.”

Recalling the pleasant surprise, Mrs. Heron said: “She was about half an hour and she comes back and she says, ‘You’ll never believe this’. She just hands us this cheque and said ‘Look’.

“I said ‘That says $20,000’, and she saiid, ‘Yes, it’s for the Northumberland and Durham Miners’ Support Group. I said ‘But he doesn’t know us’, and she said ‘Yes, but he knows what we do’.”

This heroic story will feature in the new documentary, When Bruce Springsteen Came To Britain, due to be shown on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer at 9:30pm this Saturday (31 May).

The film will be part of a period of celebration at the BBC for the legendary Rock icon. Other shows will include Bruce Springsteen at the BBC which will include archival footage from him playing on Top Of The Pops.

Springsteen has recently been touring the UK where he made headlines when he called out US President Donald Trump, calling him an “unfit president” leading a “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration”

This led to Trump describing The Boss as a ‘dried-out prune of a rocker” and “not a talented guy”.

Just this past weekend, Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello came to the support of Springsteen, saying on stage at Boston Calling: “Bruce is going after Trump because Bruce, his whole life, he’s been about truth, justice, democracy, equality. And Trump is mad at him because Bruce draws a bigger audience. Fuck that guy!”

Finally getting around to posting some photos and videos from Boston Calling 2025. A damp but fun weekend once again! pic.twitter.com/Rkhqa1yMA8

— Kevin Slane (@kslane) May 26, 2025

Springsteen is currently touring through Europe before returning to the UK next month for two massive shows at Anfield in Liverpool. Details for the upcoming shows and any remaining tickets can be found here.

I’ve been waiting to drop Gas Me Up (Diligent) since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many and I can…

— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024

After the artwork was posted, many were quick to point out that the photograph evoked imagery of the Holocaust. Men lined up with shaved heads in combination with the phrase “GAS ME UP” can understandably be taken as a tasteless pun, in reference to the millions of victims systematically murdered by the National Socialist Party throughout the early 1940s. According to Adenuga, this was by no means the intention, following up his first tweet with another post outlining how the artwork was inspired by British Skinhead and football culture of the 1980s, rather than anything more sinister. Citing the cultural environment that his parents entered when they moved to the UK from Nigeria in the 1980s, the track’s artwork was designed to capture the image of British football culture. In a follow up tweet, Skepta shared a selection of images that were used to inspire the creation of the “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” artwork. Speaking on the matter, Skepta said: “I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention.”

I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention. But after some thought I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed, I have to… pic.twitter.com/59oUOPe8Hp

— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024

To ‘gas’ someone or to be ‘gassed’ means to be excited for someone or about something. Pioneering Grime MC Dylan Mills, also known as Dizzee Rascal, used the colloquial term in a similar way with his track ‘Don’t Gas Me’ in 2018. The track is about Dizzee wishing to avoid being hyped up by others because he hypes himself up enough. In a similar manner, Skepta’s “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” means that he wishes for others to be excited for him and his music.

Some fans have applauded Skepta’s hasty removal of the controversial single cover with one Twitter user saying: “Thank you for taking and down and going with different artwork”. However, many other Twitter users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the change, claiming that the decision is a suppression of artistic expression. Given that Skepta has gone on record several times to say that the Holocaust reference was by no means his artistic intention, he is well within his right to remove the work.

Skepta’s single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” will release on January 26 as planned in the lead up to his new studio album Knife & Fork.

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

No official cause of death has been announced, though fans were aware that Garner had been battling cancer. Media outlets had also been reporting his age as 61, however Ian Brown, frontman of The Stone Roses, corrected this information via Twitter.

Brown wrote, “Our lovely friend Pete was only 59. RiP Pete X.”

Yes John, nice tribute.Our lovely friend Pete was only 59. RiP Pete X

— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) November 3, 2023

He continued, “Yeah very sad. We were young punk rockers when we met in 77. The nite before Petes maths and geography O levels we went to see the Clash. Always made me chuckle he did that and of course he made the right decision! X.”  

Yeah very sad. We were young punk rockers when we met in 77. The nite before Petes maths and geography O levels we went to see the Clash. Always made me chuckle he did that and of course he made the right decision! X — Ian Brown (@ianbrown) November 3, 2023

Garner was a member of the band from 1983-1987, playing on some of the band’s most beloved tracks, including “Sally Cinnamon,” “Tell Me” and “So Young.” Garner met Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire at school and was asked to join The Stones Roses three years later.

Garner reportedly made the decision to leave The Stone Roses in favour of working at an HMV because he “believed he wasn’t good enough for them.” He was initially replaced by Rob Hampson, before Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield assumed the role in 1987.

Ian Brown also shared that “few loved music as much as Pete,” calling him “off the scale nice.”

Everything you’re sayin brother! Few loved music as much as Pete he been bathing in music since Anarchy in the Uk came out that i can vouch for and Pete was off the scale nice, an old skool nice that ya just dont get no more! He got that from his lovely Mum! GOD Bless Pete RiP X

— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) November 3, 2023

One fan made a tribute video, celebrating Garner’s contribution to The Stone Roses by putting together rare footage and photos of the band’s early days.  

A tribute to Pete Garner. Enjoy pic.twitter.com/Vx5tCpoLUo — Reni (@renifanpage) November 4, 2023

Other fans also shared their appreciation for Garner, with one writing, “he laid the foundations of the band.”

No way was listening to tell me last night thinking of how great the bass is! he laid the foundations of the band

— Sam Taylor (@SamBFC91) November 3, 2023

The film was written and is being directed by Bernard Rose, who directed the band’s Relax music video back in 1984. “Relax,” the band’s debut single, was famously banned by the BBC due to the sexual nature of the lyrics, causing Frankie Goes to Hollywood to gain notoriety and helping to keep the single in the No.1 spot of the UK Singles Chart for 5 weeks.

Following the band’s rise to fame in the 1980s, the biopic will largely be based on what was shared in lead singer Holly Johnson’s memoir, A Bone in My Flute.

Director and screenwriter Bernard Rose described the band as going from “unemployed Liverpudlians to kings of pop on the back of their epic banned record ‘Relax.'”

Rose continued, “It took them from the underground S&M and LGBTQ club scene into mainstream pop culture. I was very much a part of the hoopla, having directed the original ‘banned’ ‘Relax’ video and I want to bring that innocent and daring world of 1984 back to life for a new audience today.”

Callum Scott Howells is set to star as Holly Johnson, following his acclaimed performance in Russell T. Davies’s drama It’s a Sin, which delved into the 1980s and 90s AIDS epidemic.

Speaking on the BBC ban in 1984, Holly Johnson shared on the BBC Breakfast Show that fans said it made them seem “cool, edgy and rebellious,” effectively doing “them a favour.”

However, Johnson said, “But I wanted to sing our number one debut single on Top of the Pops, so that moment was denied us.”

Frankie Goes to Hollywood recently reunited for the first time in 36 years for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, held in their hometown of Liverpool.

Lead singer Holly Johnson commented on the experience, saying, “It was a real pleasure. I’d forgotten how much I really liked those people, and why I liked them. It was great. It couldn’t have been a better outcome. We seemed to have the same chemistry we had back in the day. They dynamic was the same, the energy was the same. It was great, it was a really perfect pop moment.“

Guitarist Brian Nash also shared his thoughts on the band’s reunion via Facebook, writing, “I am SO happy right now, and this weekend made me happier, and I will take that and hold it in my heart alongside my mates, fans, supporters and the people of this wonderful city.“

No further reunion plans have been shared as of yet, with Nash also writing “The future is unwritten but don’t hold your breath.“

The boxset entitled ‘The Roaring Forty | 1983-2023’ is set to be released on 27^th October this year and is available for pre-order now. Compiled by Bragg himself, fans can look forward to 3 formats of Bragg’s music.

The first format available is a single disc ‘primer’ of 13 songs on limited edition orange vinyl.

A 40-song, 3-album collection on three varying shades of green vinyl is also available to purchase, ‘to appeal to casual admirers and die-hard fans alike.’

Both limited edition colour vinyl formats are also available to purchase as a CD.

The third format is perfect for Bragg fanatics, allowing them the opportunity to own a 14-CD boxset containing over 300 songs. This limited edition ‘Super Deluxe’ boxset includes all 12 of Bragg’s studio albums, non-album singles and B-sides, as well as previously unreleased material and live recordings from throughout his career. With this edition, fans will also receive a large format book including images of 40 significant mementos from Bragg’s life, including the flyer to his first solo gig, his first NME cover, the Red Wedge Manifesto and much, much more.

When ordered from Bragg’s official shop, the first 1000 orders of any format will come with a signed A4 art print, as well as access to pre-sale tickets for an upcoming tour.

Known for his left-wing activism as much as his folk and punk rock music, Bragg has publicly tackled political issues throughout his career, using his platform to further the socialist agenda. Much of Bragg’s work incites its listeners to join activist causes, allowing Bragg to obtain a passionate and confronting fan base, many of whom have been with him since the 1980s.

Bragg tweeted, ‘In the early 80s, I realised if I wanted to hear music that said something about the state of the world, I’d have to make it myself.’ He has continued to act as a spokesperson for the left-wing and has compiled these ‘commemorative releases’ in honour of a career that hasn’t shied away from difficult conversations.

In the early 80s, I realised if I wanted to hear music that said something about the state of the world, I’d have to make it myself. To mark my 40th anniversary, I’ve compiled a number of commemorative releases spanning my career since then. Pre-order: https://t.co/BuRCFT8RJS pic.twitter.com/Or2sN0JqVh

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) February 28, 2023

To celebrate his 40 years in music, an upcoming UK and Ireland tour is also set to be announced soon. Bragg is also set to play a charity show at the O2 Academy Oxford on 19^th May 2023. Tickets are available from 5^th March and can be purchased here.

For nearly 20 years, @HOPEnothate have been in the front line combatting racism and fascism in the UK, and I’m proud to help raise funds so they can continue their important work. Tickets on general sale 11am Sunday 5th March: https://t.co/cW0OW2F0Xg Support: @tomasmithmusic pic.twitter.com/ibIqi4Z2Vy — Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 3, 2023

‘The Roaring Forty | 1983-2023’ is available to pre-order now.

Stream Billy Bragg’s discography here.

See Bragg on tour:

19/05/2023 – 02 Academy Oxford – Oxford

27/05/2023 – Catton Hall – Walton-on-Trent

05/08/2023 – Curraghmore Estate – County Waterford