The band Judas Priest is set to release their nineteenth studio album, Invincible Shield, on March 8, 2024, under the label Epic Records. The album was produced by Andy Sneap, the band’s touring guitarist, who also produced their 2018 album, Firepower. Fan’s have been given the opportunity to pre order the new album here.

The album promises to deliver the classic ’70s metal sound. In a recent interview with Audio Ink Radio,  Richard Faulkner expressed his excitement about the album’s nostalgic vibe, stating that it embraces the influence of ’70s Priest. He said, “This album was a bit more 70’s Priest, which I welcome as a guitar player.”

Describing the album as somewhat progressive, Faulkner revealed that it deviates from the traditional verse-chorus structure and incorporates more musical parts. This experimentation showcases the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new territories. Faulkner adds, “It’s ’70s Priest, but it’s not a retro album, by any means. It’s the influence of ’70s Priest in the progressive sense, but it sounds like Priest in 2023. It’s also a bit progressive in that it’s not verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-chorus-finish. It’s musical part-verse-musical part.”

Rob Halford, the legendary frontman of the heavy metal band, recently took to social media to announce the release of their new single “Trial by Fire“. In his post, Halford expressed his excitement about the new release and that he hoped fans would “dig it.” He said to fans, “We hope you dig it, oh yeah!”

TRIAL BY FIRE. OUT NOW. https://t.co/nZiIWE7RF6 pic.twitter.com/0tqJxngqMb

— Judas Priest (@judaspriest) November 19, 2023

Fans expressed their support and delight by commenting and tweeting, with one fan leaving a comment, “Love this! thank you for posting and letting the world know that you are still awesome and the DON of metal! I will be tuning in swiftly!!”

Love this! thank you for posting and letting the world know that you are still awesome and the DON of metal! I will be tuning in swiftly!!

—(@KRANIUS) November 19, 2023

Originating from Birmingham in 1969, this band has achieved a remarkable feat of selling over 50 million albums and is often regarded as one of the most legendary metal bands in history. In May 2022, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame committee announced that the band had been chosen to join the 2022 inductee class and receive the “Award for Musical Excellence”.

Judas Priest’s 2024 Tour Dates. Purchase UK Tour tickets here.

11/03/24 – OVO Hydro – Glasgow
13/03– First Direct Arena – Leeds
15/03 – 3 Arena – Dublin, Ireland
17/03 – International Centre – Bournemouth
19/03 – Resorts World Arena Birmingham
21/03 – OVO Arena Wembley – London

Sheeran exclusively said to Official Charts: Thank you so much for making Autumn Variations the Official Number 1 album in the UK. “It’s my first album on my own record label [Gingerbread Man Records], so this means more than any other award I’ve had. Thanks for all the support; it’s been amazing to get reconnected with the fans over the past few months.”  

He continued: “I hope you continue liking the album, and I’ll see you next year for the next one!”   

The international hit-maker took to his Instagram to express his gratitude for the achievement. He wrote: “Thanks so much for making Autumn Variations #1, I had no expectations for the record other than for fans to love it and feel it was their own. It being on my own label meant it didnt have the usual pressures or expectations, but to end up going #1 is mad and I really don’t take it for granted. Thank you for everyone connecting with the album. It’s been so wonderful spending so much time with all you lot over the past month. See you next year when we press play on some big pop stuff finally x.”  

Fans of the “Eyes Closed” singer congratulated the musician in the comments. One person said: “Autumn is so wonderful” whilst another person commented: “I love how it doesn’t matter what he makes under what label it is released, it always ends up No. 1 in the UK.” Pop duo Jedward, who appeared on the X Factor in 2009, said: “Boss rocking it on your own label.” 

Watch the music video for “Eyes Closed.”

“Autumn Variations” also topped the charts in Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

The record has received a positive reception from critics. James Hall from The Telegraph rated the album four out of five stars and said: “Sheeran sounds like a supercharged David Gray. Grown-up. Energized. Forget Autumn, this feels like an album of bright new dawns.”  

As well as achieving his seventh number one album, Sheeran was also nominated at the annual MTV EMAs, which are set to air on 5 November. The pop-star also became the first British solo act to achieve 10 billion UK streams and was awarded with a Gold Brit Billion Award.

The Car is shortlisted for the 2023 @MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/nBoCgwAed1

— Arctic Monkeys (@ArcticMonkeys) July 27, 2023

While Radiohead, arguably one of the UK’s biggest and most popular acts in recent decades, has never won the prestigious award, Arctic Monkeys have taken the prize home on one occasion so far-winning for their debut effort Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not in 2006. Although The Car has seen the band drift further away from their indie rock roots, the album has nevertheless earned the group plenty of plaudits from critics.

Primarily written by frontman Alex Turner, the album features an eclectic mix of genres that has already seen the work nominated for several awards, including a Grammy and Ivor Novello Award. Fears of a fan backlash were largely unfounded as The Car reached the top ten UK album charts, debuting at number 2. And the group can now add a Mercury Prize nomination to the album’s already impressive run of industry nods.

Arctic Monkeys have supported the album’s release with a global tour which included a successful run of stadium performances in the UK and Ireland and a headlining slot at this summer’s Glastonbury Festival. Set to wrap in October this year, the tour has been notable for featuring lesser known songs in the setlist, giving a broader range of material the chance to thrive in a live setting.

Founded as an alternative to the Brit Awards, The Mercury Prize has become one of Britain’s most cherished music achievement honours. Open to any band containing at least 50% British or Irish membership, the prize seeks to reward the best studio album released in the United Kingdom. The award is bestowed purely upon musical merit, regardless of how successful or popular the artist was in the previous year.

In the award’s 31 year history, PJ Harvey holds the record for being the only artist to have won the award on more than one occasion, having taken home the prize twice in 2001 and 2011 respectively. Arctic Monkeys will be hoping to become only the second artist to accomplish this feat with The Car.

Introducing the artists on the Shortlist for the 2023 Mercury Prize with @FreeNow_UK! @ArcticMonkeys@EzraCollective@fredagainagain1@jhus@JessieWare@jockstrapmusic1@LankumDublin@LoyleCarner@oliviadeano@raye@0800shygirl@Youngfathers#MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/tw8UQzp5Zx

— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) July 27, 2023

While open to all genres, the prize has been noted by some critics for the absence of bands within the metal subgenre, although rock groups are included in this year’s shortlist.

This year’s ceremony judges will consist of music journalists, presenters, artists and broadcasters and will be held at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London on 7 September. The event will be shown live across the BBC’s TV and radio stations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neneh Cherry (@nenehcherryofficial)

The Icon award has been a category recognized by the event for previous years, in 2018 the accolade was awarded to Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson and in 2020 grunge icon Courtney Love was awarded the prize. The award is bestowed to those who have earned the title through their work within the music, fashion and culture. With a discography full of highly influential records and a career spanning three decades, Cherry is the epitome of an Icon.

The 57-year-old artist has provided the following statement concerning her win, “Life is a series of ups and downs – along the way I’ve tried to get better at loving myself but ultimately it’s the love from others given then received that makes that possible, I’ve just tried to hold my corner and serve with truth, all made possible by the great visionaries I’ve come up and collaborated with along the way – you know what they say… it takes a village. To wake up one day to hear I’m being given an Icon Award seems crazy, but I’ll take it with great honour, so thank you NME.”

Cherry first made her name within the punk rock scene in London, during the early 1980’s she was part of Rip Rig + Panic and the legendary group The Slits. Her first major breakthrough came with the release of her debut album Raw Like Sushi, the 1989 album sired her best-loved track “Buffalo Stance”. The single gained critical acclaim through its incorporation of different genres and is known as a hybrid of hip-hop, electronica and pop.

The Swedish hitmaker is no stranger to accolades, Cherry won two Brit awards in 1990 for Best International Breakthrough and Best International Solo Artist. She was also nominated in 1990 for Best Video for single “Manchild”, Cherry was also nominated in 1991 and 1997 for the Brit award of Best International Female. The singer was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best New Artist and won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song for “7 Seconds” in 1994.

The annual awards show continues to be an important tradition within popular music, the show was first held in 1953 and was initially named the NME Poll Winners Concerts. Since its inception, the awards have grown into a British institution and have held importance through various genres of music including the 90’s Britpop era. Through its expansive multiple awards categories were added, the ceremony now includes 34 categories within their global nominations, 6 categories of UK nominations, 5 prizes for nominations in Asia and Australia.

The awards ceremony will be co-hosted by Daisy May Cooper and Lady Leshurr and will feature performances by Sam Fender, Rina Sawayama, Griff, BERWYN and Chvrches. This year’s event will also celebrate another musical icon, The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith will join the other performers in March. Despite many winners already named, music fans are still able to cast their vote for two categories, Hero of the Year and Villain of the year.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to vote for Hero of the Year and Villain of the Year.

View this post on Instagram

I’m officially off the clock, and can now celebrate Harry Styles being named Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year how I see fit (cleaning my room in case his car breaks down near my house). Link in bio to find out everything you need to know about our upcoming feature on the golden boy.

A post shared by Variety (@variety) on Nov 10, 2020 at 5:01pm PST

Variety, established in 1905, is a top tire entertainment news outlet. Boasting that “variety is preferred reading among top-level professionals everywhere in entertainment, and the most widely circulated broad-based entertainment business magazine.”. Considering their long-running highly regarded entertainment news being crowned in such regards is definitely nothing to scoff at.

As well as Harry Styles being named Hitmaker of the year Lewis Capaldi has been crowned songwriter of the year, American rapper Roddy Ricch has claimed Breakthrough Artist of the year, and The Weekend’s Blinding Lights has been named Hook of the Year. With such big names as contenders in the running and being considered for such awards, it’s very impressive to be picked and singled out as one of the tops for a whole year.

If you have listened to Harry Styles album Fine Line then you are very aware of just how good it actually is. It is very hard to go without hearing some of the songs on the album on the radio, streaming services, and playlists. It was the hits that people think of the most when thinking of the album, Adore You, and Watermelon Sugar that brought Styles to be named Hitmaker of the year, and whos surprised by that?  

FINE LINE. THE ALBUM. OUT NOW.https://t.co/xkqHnAr55E pic.twitter.com/tvEyZjeEWn — Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) December 13, 2019

Remembered as one of the One Direction boys, Harry Styles has come to be a household name in the pop and music industry. After the breakup of the X factor boy band Styles lead a solo career in both music and film. However, Styles’s first album titled Harry Styles didn’t reach the fame and success that Fine Line reached despite being praised by fans. Thankfully Fine Line reached great heights and is critically acclaimed.

Variety’s executive editor in music Shirley Halperin had this to say “This year has been a game-changer for the music business, but the industry has persevered, with artists, creators and executives releasing and promoting new songs under incredibly challenging circumstances.”. the statement was made ahead of the 4th annual Hitmakers event which will be on the 3rd of December (2020) and will be held virtually this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The Who, responsible for well known hits including ‘My Generation’ and ‘Baba O’Riley’ released a statement in recognition of the award, “We are honoured to be the first band with a stone on the Music Walk Of Fame.”

“Camden has always been vital to London’s thriving music scene and is, as we all know, a world-renowned hub for the arts. As Londoners, it’s very surreal to be immortalised in stone on Camden High Street, and it’s quite something to know that people can pop by and see us anytime, albeit virtually!”

The very first plaque in the @MusicWalkofFame, unveiled today by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey in Camden, north London. Who better to kick off this fantastic landmark in London than The Who! #MusicWalkOfFame #MWOF

The brand new album WHO drops 06.12.19 https://t.co/Bn1EsgMqOI pic.twitter.com/b3dnBJC1s9

— The Who (@TheWho) November 19, 2019

The founder of the Music Walk Of Fame, Lee Bennett said, “What a great day for music, fans, the world, London, and Camden. To cap it off by having one of the greatest bands of all time, I’m thrilled to bits.”

It is anticipated that up to twenty stones are to be laid and marked later in time to recognise other musicians, including augmented reality technology that will transform the streets into a museum.

The Who recently announced details of their first studio album in thirteen years, premiering the single ‘Ball And Chain’. The album is to be entitled ‘Who’, co-produced by Townshend and D. Sardy, including vocal production by Dave Eringa and long serving drummer Zak Starkey.

The eleven track album will be released on November 22. You can listen to the new single below.

The track listing is listed below:

1. All This Music Must Fade.
2. Ball And Chain.
3. I Don’t Wanna Get Wise.
4. Detour.
5. Beads On One String.
6. Hero Ground Zero.
7. Street Song.
8. I’ll Be Back.
9. Break The News.
10. Rockin’ In Rage.
11. She Rocked My World.

Outside the Elysée Palace, Elton spoke to the crowds gathered in the grounds of the French presidential palace, as they celebrated the annual Fete de la Musique. He commented on collecting the award as “humbling”, and going on to say that he was “profoundly grateful” for the recognition.

Famed musician Sir Elton John received the Legion of Honor today, which is France's highest award, during a visit to the presidential Élysée Palace pic.twitter.com/xFENWGCpv7

— POLITICO (@politico) June 21, 2019

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank you, and the people of France, for an act of great generosity, and leadership” 

The icon went on to talk about his ongoing support against AIDs, saying, “Like music, the fight against AIDS has been my passion for many many years,” John told the crowd. “And like music this fight reminds me every day of the extraordinary power of the human spirit”. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has garnered in excess of £310 million in the prevention of HIV.

As a part of his farewell tour in France, Elton had just last year announced he was intending to retire from performing, with the aim to spend more time with his family. The musical legend is bowing out with a three year farewell world tour, titled, ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’. The last UK dates of his final tour were announced for 2020, including London, Manchester and Glasgow.

The Elton John biopic, ‘Rocketman’, was released last month, with Elton John and Taron Egerton responding to decisions made by a Russian media company who’d allegedly removed all scenes depicting men kissing and gay sex, due to the country’s law’s concerning “homosexual propaganda”.

John and the makers of the film released a statement together, as seen below on Twitter, saying, “That the local distributor has found it necessary to edit out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in, and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people”.

pic.twitter.com/WT05TvCHT7

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 31, 2019