One of their most well-known tunes, the indie anthem “Valerie” was written while the Zutons were touring in Florida, after frontman Dave McCabe met a makeup artist named Valerie Star, who was undergoing legal troubles, referenced in the lyrics “Did you have to go to jail? Put your house up for sale? Did you get a good lawyer?”

On producing the seminal Winehouse cover, Mark Ronson told The Guardian “Valerie was a song Amy loved whenever they played it at her local. We cut a slowed-down version that got the cool, Stonesy swagger. But just as we were packing up, I said: “Guys, you’ll want to kill me, but could we do just another version with a Motown backbeat?”

Speaking with The Independent, Singer McCabe recalls meeting Amy for the first time at a house party in Camden – upon telling a drunken guest to stop bothering him, Amy jumped to the defence of the hanger-on, who was her friend. Both McCabe and Winehouse told each other to “f**k off”, with McAbe storming out of the party, before realizing he had no way to get back home.

Amy then ran out of the party after McCabe, telling him “Come back! I love that song “Valerie”! I didn’t realise it was you who wrote that!’ They then went back to the party on better terms, and the next thing they know Amy had made a cover of their song.

Similarly to Winehouse, the Zutons singer has been in the throes of substance abuse – now sober, he attributes his bands inactivity partly to his former habits: “I was in a world of drug addiction, basically – for a f***ing long time! I had a lot of fun. But then, you know, it got the better of me. And it wasn’t fun anymore. And I started to realise I couldn’t really function outside of that.”

Winehouse and Ronson’s version of “Valerie” was an international hit, reaching the top 40 in multiple countries. When Winehouse passed in 2011, the song caught a second wind of success – McCabe remembers people tastelessly texting him money emojis upon the news of her untimely demise.

17 years after Amy Winehouse covered their song ‘Valerie’, The Zutons have premiered a cover of the late singer’s huge anthem ‘Back to Black’

Watch the video here https://t.co/ONwYw3Op6w

— Absolute Radio (@absoluteradio) December 6, 2024

In an interview with NME, the band said of the cover: “We’ve always been proud of how Amy made ‘Valerie’ her own, and to have the opportunity to honour her in this way feels really special.”

The Zutons are currently on tour supporting singer-songwriter Paul Heaton and have their own UK headline tour scheduled for spring. Tickets are available here.

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A BRIT Billion celebrates artists who have gained over one billion digital streams in the United Kingdom over all major streaming platforms and is awarded by the BRIT certified scheme. Launched in 2023, it is the first major award to recognise the culmination of artist’s successes across multiple projects (including tracks they are the sole artist of and have featured on), and streaming sites amongst those such as Spotify, Deezer, Napster and other platforms. It gives a chance for artists to be celebrated for their comprehensive success. In a world where streaming makes up 87.7% of the UK music consumption (according to BPI data in 2023), it is important the music industry revolutionises itself to view streaming on a (somewhat) level playing field with the purchasing of digital or physical tracks and albums.

The award came after streams of the singer’s most-loved songs had skyrocketed over the past few weeks which can be accredited to the biopic hitting cinemas in April. According to Billboard, her parents Mitch and Janis expressed that ‘It’s wonderful that her music is being discovered by new audiences of young people who love it just as much as her contemporaries. We are so proud of Amy. Thank you.’

Despite the spike in streams for the Rehab soul-singer, the film hasn’t been received graciously, scoring a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting that the film seemed ‘too tame, too tasteful, too frightened of alienating the fans: everything that Winehouse was not.’ Some even went as far as to parallel the impersonation of Winehouse herself to something as seen on Saturday night television or an SNL skit.

The film intended to place Winehouse back at the centre of her own life after her passing from accidental alcohol poisoning in 2007 and give a long overdue, true depiction of the ruthlessness of the press towards the Camden singer. Fans and critics alike believe the film fell short of it’s promise to honour Winehouse. Whether the film was too conventional to dive deep into the multifaceted, complex personality of Winehouse and really capture the genius of one of the most significant artists of her time is down to personal opinion, but what we can say for Back to Black is that it’s putting the singer back on the map, if that’s to say she ever fell off in the first place. You can watch the trailer for the movie below.

If you still haven’t had a chance to catch the film in cinemas yet then there is still time, as viewings are showing frequently at any major UK cinema including Odeon, Vue and Cineworld.

Shot by director Paul Gore, the fresh-faced 20-year-old Winehouse can be seen wandering the halls of a swanky, dimly lit hotel carrying a guitar case, which leads her to eventually join a band of musicians in a grand ballroom. The singer-songwriter is followed in a voyeuristic fashion throughout the hotel, with the lens peering at her through bannisters and capturing her laughing, posing and causing mischief in one of the bedrooms.

However, her famous beehive hairdo is nowhere to be seen as the clips predate her ‘Back to Black’ era. Instead, it captures her in the early days of her 2003 debut album ‘Frank’ for which she received an Ivor Novello award for achievements in songwriting. The album was re-released as a deluxe edition in 2008, and was reissued on vinyl in 2015 following the release of the documentary film about her life the same year, simply titled ‘Amy’.

A new biopic about Winehouse is also set to hit cinemas this April. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the film ‘Back to Black’ will focus on her rambunctious relationship with ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, and how it inspired her to write such a groundbreaking album. The first trailer hit the internet earlier this month to a heavy amount of criticism, with many fans left concerned that the portrayal on screen will not honour her in the way that she deserves.

There is a sense that Winehouse is being presented as a larger-than-life caricature, rather than the vulnerable, complex human being that she was. Others believe that her story should be laid to rest, and that any hardship and pain she suffered should no longer be profited from. Despite the controversy surrounding its release, the Winehouse camp are openly supporting it in its promotion, sharing the trailer across multiple social media channels.

More than a decade on since Winehouse’s tragic death, her presence and significance within music and pop culture is still as prevalent as ever. Last year marked the singer’s 40th birthday, with legendary producer and close friend of Amy, Mark Ronson, paying tribute to her in an Instagram post which featured clips of them working alongside each other in the studio. Her North London stomping ground, Camden, was also the centre of a series of one-off shows celebrating her life, including her original band performing a tribute gig at iconic music venue KOKO last month.

“Happy Birthday Amy,” he posted on Instagram, alongside studio footage of himself listening to the recording session for stone-cold classic “You Know I’m No Good”.

“Today my dad turns 75. Nas turns 50 and Amy would’ve been 40,” Ronson added. “Thinking how me and my dad would’ve partied at Nas & Amy’s amazing joint bday. We miss the Lioness so much but let’s celebrate all the legends with some of her genius.”

Check out the post below:

It has been twelve years since Winehouse passed away at age 27, joining ill-fated music icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison in the infamous 27 Club. The Grammy Award winner had openly struggled with addiction, often turning to self-destructive drugs before succumbing to alcohol poisoning in 2011.  

Many of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Back To Black”, “Love Is A Losing Game” and “You Know I’m No Good” were co-written or produced with the then up-and-coming Ronson, with whom she forged a close friendship. 

Listen to “Back To Black” below:

When they first met in 2005, introduced to each other by Island Records music executive Darcus Beese, Winehouse was reportedly surprised at how young Ronson was, having expected an older, more seasoned producer. The budding hit-maker had put out one album by that point, a record full of the kind of superficial pop music that Winehouse despised. However, the unlikely pair instantly clicked, and soon began working on the singer’s sophomore album.

In 2021, looking back on his relationship with Winehouse, Ronson told The Guardian: “That connection happened like that […] It was an instant familiarity. I just loved being in her company, her presence. She was just so funny.”

Elsewhere, Winehouse’s band have announced a special show to mark the late singer’s 40th birthday. The one-off gig, which is set to take place at the KOKO venue in the musician’s hometown Camden on December 22, will be headlined by the very same musicians who performed alongside Winehouse from the start of her career until her untimely death.

Get tickets here.

Later…With Jools Holland first aired on 8th October 1992 and was initially intended to be a spin-off from the BBC 2 arts programme The Late Show, which in turn found popularity after the cancellation of The Old Grey Whistle Test. With over 60 series and over 450 episodes, Later…With Jools Holland is considered an institution within music and British culture. The programme soon became a favourite among die-hard music fans due to its variety of guests and ability to bring up-and-coming acts to the living rooms of the British public.

Many popular artists owe their blossoming careers to their UK television debuts courtesy of Later…With Jools Holland, the long list includes Amy Winehouse, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Kings of Leon, Kanye West, Metallica, Mary J Blige, Norah Jones, Taylor Swift, Stormzy and The Weeknd, plus numerous others. Please see below for a couple of Live…With Jools Holland‘s most iconic performances.

Speaking on the show’s upcoming anniversary, former Squeeze band member Holland has given the following statement, “It’s unbelievable that this year sees my show reach its thirtieth birthday. It’s a testament to the great power of music that we are still going strong , and are now the longest running international music show on earth . I’m delighted and honoured that we’re going to celebrate this monumental milestone with a special one-off event in the fabulous Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith the scene of so many legendary musical moments.”

Executive Producer Alison Howe has also given a statement,  “Later…reaching its 30th birthday is testament to Jools, all the incredible musicians who have supported us and our crew whose love and commitment of showcasing live music for the audience is unmatched. With our upcoming series, this special show and our 30th Annual Hootenanny, it’s going to be an incredible three months of live music.”

Director of Music, BBC Lorna Clarke states, “The BBC’s commitment to live music remains strong and in a year which has seen the return of live music performance, I’m hugely proud that after 30 incredible years, Later…with Jools Holland is still busy unearthing the superstars of tomorrow as well as featuring some of the world’s best-loved musicians, all to entertain the music-loving BBC viewers at home.”

A new series of the regular format of Later…With Jools Holland is also set to kick off this autumn, series 61 will be aired on 1st October 2022. The upcoming series will be available to watch on BBC Two and digitally via BBC iPlayer. Scheduled to appear with Holland are an array of guests from various eras and genres, confirmed to appear include Self Esteem, The 1975, Victoria Canal, Loyle Carner, Ural Thomas, Marcus Mumford, Burna Boy, The Big Moon, Phoenix and PVA.

Tickets for Later…With Jools Holland at 30 went on sale Friday 23rd September 2022 and can be purchased via this link.

The late singer’s set on the Pyramid Stage is regarded as an all-time highlight of the festival’s long history. Glastonbury’s co-organiser Emily Eavis has given the following statement concerning the release, “Amy Winehouse was a Glastonbury-goer through and through. She either came and played or, when she wasn’t working, came and camped. She played in the blistering heat and the heavy rain, and there were so many magical moments to her performances.”

The upcoming release marks and celebrates the 15th anniversary of the performance, included within the Vinyl’s artwork will be a dedication by Eavis. Within the famed set, ticketholders were treated to a range of the singer’s back catalogue including the hits “Valerie”, “Tears Dry On Their Own”, “You Know I’m No Good” and megahit “Rehab”. Within the same day, Winehouse performed across two stages. After her headlining set on the Pyramid stage, the singer then took to the Jazz World stage in the evening.

The memorialised 2007 performance was Winehouse’s second appearance at Worthy Farm, the singer made her Glastonbury debut three years earlier. After the release of her debut album Frank, the singer began to gain traction within the industry and the album was shortlisted for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize. During the summer of 2004 Winehouse took the stage at Glastonbury for the first time, the singer was billed to perform on the Jazz world Stage alongside funk legend Roy Ayers and blues singer Bonnie Raitt. The iconic singer would go on to perform at the historic festival again in 2008; Winehouse headlined the Pyramid Stage on Saturday alongside Jay-Z and Manu Chao.

Fans were left devastated in 2011 when the tragic news of Winehouse’s passing was announced, it was confirmed that the 27-year-old singer had died from alcohol poisoning. The iconic artist’s discography consists of two highly acclaimed studio albums, Frank and her breakthrough release Back to Black. Winehouse’s enduring legacy and influence are apparent within all aspects of popular culture; with many of her hits canonised to preserve modern music, the singer is forever immortalised.

Memorabilia from Winehouse’s career and items from her estate were placed at auction last year. The Fender Stratocaster guitar used by the singer on stage and in the music video for “Take the Box” was sold for £117,00. A dress that Winehouse wore during her final performance was also placed on auction and the item was sold for £18,000. The dress was part of a huge auction that included 800 pieces from the late singer’s estate, the overall sales totalled over £3 million which was donated to charity.

The hotly anticipated Vinyl release is to be pressed on 2 black LPs as well as a crystal-clear edition which can be purchased exclusively from Universal Music. The release is available to pre-order the here.

Live At Glastonbury 2007 tracklist

Side A:

1) “Addicted”
2) “Just Friends”
3) “Tears Dry On Their Own”
4) “He Can Only Hold Her”

Side B:

1) “Cherry”
2) “Back To Black”
3) “Wake Up Alone”
4) “Love Is A Losing Game”

Side C:

1) “Fuck Me Pumps”
2) “Cupid”
3) “Hey Little Rich Girl”
4) “Monkey Man”

Side D:

1) “You Know I’m No Good”
2) “Rehab”
3) “Me & Mr Jones”
4) “Valerie“

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Madame Tussauds has provided further details within the press release, “Working in partnership with Bowie’s estate and using information from his 1983 sitting, Madame Tussauds London’s new figure is the second to be created of Bowie and immortalises the singer’s alter ego, the extra-terrestrial rockstar Ziggy Stardust. Fans of the icon of sound and vision will recognise Starman’s signature red hairstyle, cosmic jumpsuit and celestial makeup made famous in the 1970s.”

The press release continues to describe the new musical zone, “Bowie’s new figure marks the launch of our newly revamped Music Festival zone; the only place where guests can experience a truly impossible line up of musical greats. From posing with Beyoncé and Amy Winehouse, jamming with Jimi Hendrix and Ed Sheeran to owning the stage alongside Freddie Mercury and Stormzy, this is a line up that only Madame Tussauds London could create.”

The London attraction’s latest waxwork marks their second homage to the rock icon. Bowie’s new figure has been modelled after the artist’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust. The English musician first donned the red boots and thunderbolt in the early ’70s, however Bowie retired the alien during a concert in 1973, the now-infamous London gig was filmed for the documentary Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. The character has remained a huge part of musical history and is regarded as a musician in his own right; the pivotal album The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars cemented the extra-terrestrial Rockstar’s place in pop culture.

 

 

 

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Joining the “Rebel Rebel” singer in the recently opened area are a host of music’s biggest stars including fellow Londoner Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, legendary songstress Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, Dua Lipa, Bob Marley and superstar Beyonce. To commemorate the exciting new space, Madame Tussauds have placed the musicians’ waxed counterparts in London’s most iconic music venues. The team dug into the city’s deep musical roots and storied history to produce the below video announcing the exhibition’s launch.

Tim Waters, General Manager at London Madame Tussauds has given the following statement, “David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust transcends generations and music genres, making him the ultimate headliner to launch our new Music Festival zone.  We were honoured to work with his estate in what would have been his 75th year and play our small part in keeping his inimitable legacy alive for generations to come. We know that guests love to meet their music heroes here at the attraction. With our new Music Festival experience, we’ve captured the magic of live music, with legends you literally could not see perform together anywhere else, in a way that only Madame Tussauds London could. There’s also the added bonus of no muddy fields or main-stage clashes to contend with.”

Click here for details concerning tickets.

On this day 15 years ago, Back To Black was released. What’s your favourite track? pic.twitter.com/UEH8nLxUGu

— Amy Winehouse (@amywinehouse) October 27, 2021

Amy Jade Winehouse born to Jewish parents was an English singer and songwriter known for her iconic voice and genre of soul, rhythm blues and jazz. The singer rose to fame in 2003 with the release of her debut album Frank released on October 20th 2003. The album won the late singer an Ivor Novella Award, sold over one million copies in the UK and was certified triple platinum. The late musician performed her classic singles “In My Bed”, “You Sent Me Flying/Cherry” and “Stronger Than Me” to promote her debut album.

The late singer’s second album Back to Black placed her on the musical map of success and saw the release of hit singles “Rehab”, “You Know I’m No Good”, “Tears Dry On Their Own”, “Back To Black” and her last single release from the album “Love Is A Losing Game”. The album reached number one in the UK Official Albums Charts, sold 22 million copies worldwide and provided the late musician with a 5 Grammy Award win.

Salaam Remi (Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and label executive) co-produced the late musician’s album Frank and also co-produced her album Back to Black with producer and songwriter Mark Ronson (DJ, songwriter, record producer and record executive). The late singer and Ronson recorded the cover single “Valerie” in October 2007. The late musician sadly struggled, with substance abuse issues and admitted to having issues with self-harming and an eating disorder during the release of her Back To Black album. The album was the last album release from the late singer who sadly passed away from alleged accidental alcohol poisoning on July 23rd 2011.

To mark the anniversary of the iconic late singer’s Back To Black Album Camden Council unveiled a 20ft black heart with the late singers signature. Another heart was also placed in front of The Roundhouse in North London with the lyric “You go back to her and I go back to black” from the late musicians “Back To Black” single. Camden has been honouring the late musician since her sad passing and also unveiled a bronze statue in her honour in 2014.

The late singer was also inducted into Camden’s prestigious Music Walk of Fame in 2020 with her family and friends honouring her memory. The Amy Winehouse Foundation was set up on September 14th 2011 on what would have been the late singer’s 28th birthday by her family. The Amy Winehouse Foundation aims to provide frontline support to women suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. A posthumous album was released entitled Lioness: Hidden Treasures on December 2nd 2011 in aid of the Amy Winehouse Foundation and saw the release of just two singles “Body & Soul” (With Tony Bennett) and “Our Day Will Come”. The Amy Winehouse Foundation welcomed Camden’s sentiment for the 15th anniversary of the late musicians Back to Black album yesterday October 27th.

Celebrating Amy, as the heart of #Camden and 15 years of #backtoblack https://t.co/umxwcgsDqA — AmyWinehouseFdation (@AmysFoundation) October 27, 2021

Spotify UK has also launched an exclusive Back to Black enhanced album experience with the late singer’s record label and estate who created the content where “Fans can listen to the artists that Amy inspired talking about her influence and gain an insight into the music icon’s creative process, and much more” Artist Yungblud shared his experience of listening to the album and said “I remember the first time I heard Back to Black, it completely changed my whole thought process and my whole identity and gave me the confidence to be undeniably myself”

The late singer leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by her followers, friends and family following her sad untimely passing. Followers can enjoy the upcoming Amy Winehouse Experience (aka Lioness) in October and November. The All-Star Amy Winehouse Tribute is available for one day in the US on November 27th and the late singer’s original band will be touring Europe with their Forever Amy tour in (January, March, June, July and August)

Listen to the late Amy Winehouse’s Back to Back Deluxe album here

See the dates and available tickets for the upcoming Amy Winehouse Experience, The All-Star Amy Winehouse Tribute and Forever Amy Tour here

The app has worked with American artist L.A. Migiotto on the new series. The digital virtual reality platform and Migiotto have teamed up to create 10 assembles.
The app’s pieces have been re-imagined from never-before-seen images and artwork from the chosen musical artists. Terra Virtua’s website has provided the following statement concerning their exciting new partnership. “Fuelled by a very modern obsession, L.A. Migiotto gained access to the Lyons Archive, a vast photographic treasure chest, chronicling over 30 years of celebrity from candid shots, to infamous moments in time. From this gold mine, Migiotto has curated images of icons such as Bowie, Madonna, Jagger and Winehouse – figures the world has elevated to levels of unattainable perfection, previously reserved for those depicted in myths, legend and fiction. While to many they are heroes, in just one moment they can be made the villain… Migiotto’s work seeks to question, who created them? Was it us, as a society? Do we have as much influence over them as they have over us.”

L.A. Migiotto has LANDED!! Witness the evolution of celebrity! Iconic paparazzi shots transformed into beautiful animated #NFTs

Amy Winehouse, Britney, Jagger, Bono, Sir Elton and more RIGHT NOW https://t.co/UMgBo6ba7h #NFTdrop #NFT #nftart #NFT #nftcollectors $TVK pic.twitter.com/dzZhkBpHVG

— Terra Virtua $TVK | Collecting. Reinvented. (@terra_virtua) September 3, 2021

The purpose of an NFT or a non-fungible token is to store data, the NFT is a unit of data that is then stored on a digital ledger. The ledger is often called a blockchain and exists to certify the digital asset (files and information that is in a digital format and includes the right to use) to enable the asset to be distinctive and thus non-interchangeable.
Terra Virtua is often regarded as a new and exciting format in which fans can boost their passion and own un-breakable collectables of their favourite artists and interests.

The CEO at Terra Virtua, Gary Bracey has given the following statement regarding the new collection and the platforms new alliance with Migiotto. “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for us. Our collaboration with Lyons Gallery provides another exciting platform for us to showcase the breadth and quality of Terra Virtua’s digital collectables. It’s fascinating to see how this collection of images, of icons from past and present, have been brought to life by L.A. Migiotto and we look forward to building on this partnership in future.”

The complete collection was made accessible on 2nd September 2021 at 5 PM via the Terra Virtua marketplace. The full collection includes a list of iconic figures from various genres of music including David Bowie, Sir Mick Jagger, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, Jay Z, Iggy Pop and Sir Elton John. The website has affixed the collection’s piece staring Sir John with this description. “With his ‘dressing-up box’ the envy of the world, Elton has taken on many guises from Louis XIV to Rocket Man with as much added glitter as you can handle. In real life existing in a bubble of success – outside the chaos of reality – but still feeling the itch of the universe calling for more. Are the successful ever satisfied as they battle against the insatiability of the ‘id’.”

A press release provides the following statement concerning the new series: “the relationship society as an audience has with these figures”. The statement describes the collection’s representation of Bowie. (The piece) “draws on images from NASA expeditions in an ode to Starman, Major Tom and Ziggy Stardust.”

This is not Terra Virtua’s only exciting project, the pioneering digital platform recently made headlines with a historical venture. The app acquired the exclusive rights to the popular film ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong‘, making it the first NFT to be released in accordance with a major motion picture.

Click here to see the full collection.