To mark the day, the North Shields singer-songwriter will release a limited-edition six-track EP, ‘Me And The Dog’ on 12″ vinyl. The EP will feature two brand-new tracks from the artist as well as fan favourites and songs never pressed on vinyl before.

As part of the role, Sam is set to champion the vibrant and unique culture of the UK’s record shops and the vital role they play in their local communities.

About his role on the big day, Fender stated: “It’s a complete honour to be asked to be the Ambassador for Record Store Day 2025. The importance of indie stores cannot be understated. Without them, we lose physical spaces for music fans to discover both their favourite new artists and to forge friendships with likeminded people. Thanks so much to all the independent stores around the world who support us. Let’s all make sure we support them too.”

Set to release his new album on February 21, the Northern artist shared: “This year is an exciting one for me and the band with the release of our new album, People Watching. We were so privileged to be able to work with the family of legendary North East photographer Tish Murtha and use her photography across the album’s artwork for all formats.”

He added: “The EP we’re releasing for Record Store Day is called ‘Me And The Dog’, which at one point was going to be the name of the new album, so it just feels right that it should have its own moment. We’ve included two songs that haven’t been released – I’m Always On Stage and Empty Spaces.”

Introducing our #RSD25 ambassador, @samfendermusic https://t.co/n52PIdTL68

— Record Store Day UK (@RSDUK) February 4, 2025

Alan Jordan, the owner of Reflex Records in Newcastle, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to have Sam Fender as this year’s ambassador for Record Store Day. Sam’s a local legend, and the way he’s championed the North East and stayed true to his roots is exactly what independent record stores are all about – community, authenticity, and passion for music. Not only that, but he’s a real vinyl fan too! It’s great to see an artist who grew up down the road bring a spotlight on what we do. From buying Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ from our shop – to seeing him on the world’s stage – there couldn’t be a better artist to fly the flag for indie record shops!” 

In becoming Record Store Day’s Official ambassador for 2025, Sam joins the ranks of artists such as Kate Bush, The 1975, Taylor Swift, Elton John and more.

‘Me And The Dog’ will be available over the counter only on Saturday April 12, from participating shops.  

Last Thursday, the 9th of November, the British company, John Lewis Partnership (which covers Waitrose and John Lewis) released its latest ad ‘Snapper, The Perfect Tree’. The ad features a “cheeky carnivorous plant” and is accompanied by “Operatic Superstar” Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli sings the beautiful Italian song “Festa”, meaning ‘Party’ or ‘Celebration’.

In the video, a small boy picks up a ‘grow your own tree’ box at a small Christmas market. At home, the small sapling starts to grow, with the piano chords speeding up into a steady pace and a big drumbeat signalling a change and positivity. As the plant turns into a big Venus the family is not impressed, and the plant is replaced with a standard pine Christmas tree. At this point, the thick musical texture diminishes and there is just a solo piano, Bocelli’s voice and backing vocals. At the end of the video, all the family go outside to celebrate Christmas Day with Snapper, the plant.

The moral of the video is to “Let your traditions grow”, which is an important and kind message to share with the UK nation although it divided audiences, with one X (Twitter) user saying the advert was “a disappointment”. 

Many others enjoyed the advert, with one saying “Thank you John Lewis for making my mum smile.  It’s a tradition I show her your ad morning of release. My dad died a few months ago, we’re all so sad, especially Mum. It made us smile. Sending kindness + love”.

However, it seemingly got many adult males on the defence, hitting out at the fact there was no adult male presence, with some ranting “Where’s The Dad???!!” and “Being a dad, I’ll shop somewhere else this Christmas, thanks”. John Lewis replied succinctly “‘Showing a mum and a grandma, we always attempt to show a broad representation of British life across our advertising. This is a very realistic scenario for thousands of families in the UK.’

Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO of Savvy Marketing commented “John Lewis has opted instead for a vision of a modern family Christmas. Let’s see if it works”

The John Lewis marketing team have also gone one step further, releasing ‘Snapper’ merch. Get it here

The adverts started circulating and becoming a topic of conversation in 2010 as Ellie Goulding covered Elton John’s “Your Song”. Then came the rising popularity of the song “The Power of Love” after Gabrielle Aplin’s rendition in 2012. The Bear and the Hare animation in 2013 was accompanied by Lily Allen’s sweet version of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” in 2013 and the Scandi singer Aurora covered  “Half The World Away” – by Oasis back in 2015. 

Other British supermarkets have taken different directions with their campaigns. Asda makes this Christmas “Incredibuble”, opting to use Canadian vocalist Michael Buble and Sainbury’s ‘Rickrolling’ people with a surprise appearance of Rick Astley in their ad. 

Watch the ‘Snapper, The Perfect Tree’ John Lewis advert here

Said album was named uniquely after the band themselves, Queen, which was released in 1973 after having released their debut single earlier that year “Keep Yourself Alive”. Being one of the biggest bands of all time, BBC Radio 2 have decided to celebrate, in their honour, by opening a vote to the public. The electorate are to vote for “Your Ultimate Queen Song”. Rather intriguing in the anticipation for the final results to come through.

The fact that Queen have, collectively, released 15 studio albums, 10 live albums, 73 singles and 11 box sets, gives the radio host, as well as the electorate, a rather complicated mission to sift through the endless alternatives in question. As amusing as it would be to witness such attempt, BBC have given a narrowed down selection of the bands releases to be up for grabs. Only a-sides and double a-sides are included. No b-sides or album tracks will be chucked into the mix. However, there is one exception. The original recording of “We Will Rock You” was on the b-side to “We Are The Champions” so, both having been played together on the radio when first originally released, they will be included within the list as a one option to vote for.

When the album first came out, it didn’t quite match the proper feedback to be considered a successful release. In fact, it took the LP a good year to reach charted achievements. The following March in 1974, the final song of the bands debut album “Seven Seas Of Rhye” rocketed up to the UK’s top number 10. It was then that the band had an official hit within their repertoire, a Freddie Mercury piece of craft.

Ever since, the band have been considered the pioneers of the music industry. Having sold 300 million records worldwide they have come to be one of the biggest record selling artists of all time. They broke industry boundaries throughout their musical journey by following their passion and desire for music, rooted with Mercury’s unique dazzling stance, instead of plummeting down to being crowd pleasers. Nonetheless, they resulted in pleasing the crowd very much so. Six minute songs, mind-boggling harmonies and unforgettable shows lead them to being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, UK Music Hall of Fame and a handful of awards more.

Click here to vote.

It is clear that the public is thirsty for a blast from the past. Having been granted a promising Madonna worldwide tour by Live Nation this coming year, her fans have not been able to contain their excitement. The pre-sale tickets sold out almost instantly and an overwhelming demand has left the superstar with no other choice than to offer a few additional gigs in London, as part of her 35-city tour in North America and Europe, known as “The Celebration Tour“.

She was, originally, only going to perform at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, 14th October. However, those who didn’t make it in time to purchase an original ticket have been granted an additional chance to attend the boogie of their lives. It was clear that the one show was not going to do it for the hungry brits, and tickets flew unthinkably quickly when the second gig was announced for the following consecutive day on the Sunday, 15th October. There has been no other choice than to establish another four shows in The Big Smoke for the 17th, 18th of October, which have already sold out, and finally the 5th and 6th of December which will be going on sale on Wednesday, 1st February at 9 am.

Madonna’s “The Celebration Tour” is offering an artistic journey throughout the singer’s career to celebrate the four decades she has dedicated to the industry. She wishes to pay her respects to the city of New York, for it was the place where she officially began her career. Her stop at The Big Apple falls in mid-August at Madison Square Garden, where she will also be performing for two consecutive days due to high demand within the crowded town. The tour is set to kick off in mid-July in Vancouver and run through until the 1st of December to finally wrap up in Amsterdam.

When globally famous stars, like herself, announce such tours, it is always an intriguing battle whether to expect all the classic hits, only their latest releases, or even a one genre-focused performance. However, fans have been reassured to expect a cocktail of the best hits of her career in order to fully appreciate the variety of styles and bangers she has contributed to the world. Madonna says, “I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for“. The Queen of Pop is about to showcase her most supreme songs since the 80s. Let’s not forget the all-inclusive exciting visit from a special guest, Bob the Drag Queen, a.k.a Caldwell Tidicue, who will be making an appearance throughout the length of the tour, alongside the pop star. This is not an experience one would want to miss.

Tickets for the 5th and 6th of December will be going on sale on Wednesday, 1st February at 9 am.

Click here for tickets.

Tour Dates – UK

14/10/2023 – The O2 – London
15/10 – the O2 – London
16/10 – The O2 – London
17/10 – The O2 – London
5/12 – The O2 – London
6/12 – The O2 – London