The 41-year-old X Factor star left fans shocked and disappointed last Thursday after he walked off stage in the middle of his set at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow. The singer was only twenty minutes into his performance before he unexpectedly dashed off the stage, telling fans: “This has never happened to me before, but you can hear my voice is going.”  

After coming 2nd in the 2009 series of The X Factor UK, Olly Murs soared to success. Over his more than 15-year-long career, Murs has achieved 5 number 1 albums and several number 1 hits in the UK, such as ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Dance With Me Tonight’.

Currently, he’s amidst his ’15 Years Of Hits’ tour, supported by boyband Blue, playing for thousands of fans in gigs across the country. He kicked off the tour on 24 April, in Plymouth, and has since extended the tour, adding extra dates due to popular demand. 

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Prior to this, only one day into the tour, Murs had to postpone his gigs in Brighton and Hull, due to an outbreak of gastroenteritis infecting his band and crew. Murs assured fans that the dates would be “rescheduled as soon as possible.” His Hull show was on 20 May, and his Brighton show is due to take place on 27 May.

In a video shared by The Sun, taken from the Glasgow show, Murs explains his reasoning for cancelling on stage. He tells fans: “I wouldn’t want to continue on and just ruin it for you guys because it’s a really great show. I’m really proud of this whole production and how it’s looking, how it’s sounding, and for some reason, five songs in, my voice is going. That is so unlike me, so I just want to say sorry from the bottom of my heart.

“I don’t want to upset you guys, I’m so sorry. We’ll sort out refunds for anyone that’s unhappy, but Glasgow, I will be back to see you guys soon. I’m so sorry. I’ll see you soon. I love you all.

“That’s the best I can do, so sorry.”

Since then, Murs has scrapped a further two shows on his tour, in Manchester and Birmingham, stating that his reason for doing so, and for walking off in Glasgow, was his poor health. He tells fans in a post on Instagram that he has “been instructed to go on a strict 48 hour voice rest by the doctor to ensure no further damage to my vocal cords.” He still hopes to perform a show tomorrow, 25 May in the O2 Arena in London.    

 

 

 

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For the most part, fans have taken to social media to share their support and understanding, though many have also shared their criticism and frustration.

One fan on X shares: “Take care for yourself. A performance can be redone, but a permanently damaged body is harder to fix.”

However one asks: “Surely […] the decision could have been made earlier? We came from England, dogs in kennels, hotel, holiday booked!”

Another jokes: “There will be no dancing with Olly Murs tonight at the Hydro.”

There will be no dancing with Olly Murs tonight at the hydro

— kieran (@kieran_ashton1) May 22, 2025

Tickets to catch the end of Olly Murs’ ’15 Years Of Hits’ tour are available here.

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This move aims to eliminate distractions and foster deeper connections between clubbers and DJs, allowing for a more authentic and engaging nightlife experience. According to the club’s founders, the policy has received overwhelming support, with many attendees praising the initiative for enhancing the communal energy of the dance floor.

Amber’s is not the first venue in the UK to enforce such a policy. Clubs like Berlin’s infamous Berghain have long maintained a strict no-phone rule, but similar approaches are now emerging across the UK. In London, Fabric has encouraged guests to minimize phone use, whilst Glasgow’s Sub Club has also experimented with no-camera policies to maintain a more organic clubbing environment.

@its.kmo_ Inside Berghain The most iconic building of Berlin about which everyone whispers tips how to get in. The easiest way is to visit one of the exhibition in Halle am Berghain #berlin #berghain #berlinart #exhibition ♬ C-Quence Of Calamities – Sedef Adasi Remix – BASHKKA

The rise of phone-free nightlife reflects a broader trend of nostalgia for the pre-smartphone club era, where music and human interaction were at the heart of the experience. As social media continues to shape nightlife culture, more venues may adopt this approach to create more intimate and memorable experiences for clubbers.

Cellphones & Social Media changed Partying & Club Life Globally. You see ppl on their phones, taking pics, texting & posting pics on social media. We DANCED in the 90’s. We sat at the BAR & had drinks w/Women & actually TALKED, then Danced again. The Club use 2B an experience. pic.twitter.com/NPmTjHOttU

— TonyDaDome (@TonyDaDome) February 19, 2022

Phones shouldn’t be allowed in clubs or bars. We should be there to meet NEW people, not text people we already know.

— Nēv Schulman (@NevSchulman) June 7, 2014

Whether Amber’s sets a lasting precedent for UK nightlife remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest that clubgoers are ready to put their phones away and get lost in the music once again.

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Known for their groundbreaking sound and layered, immersive production, My Bloody Valentine reshaped the alternative rock landscape with their 1991 album ‘Loveless‘, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. It peaked at #7 on the UK Album Chart. Their signature blend of distorted guitars, ethereal vocals, and intricate production techniques made them pioneers of the shoegaze genre, inspiring countless artists in the decades since.

While My Bloody Valentine is more known for their critically acclaimed albums than chart-topping singles, ‘Soon’ from ‘Loveless‘ remains one of their most iconic tracks. The song, featuring swirling guitar loops and a hypnotic dance beat, was revolutionary for its time, blending elements of shoegaze and electronic music in a way that was years ahead of its era.

With their upcoming tour, the band’s return to UK stages is set to be one of the most significant live music events of the year. Tickets for the tour go on sale April 4, and given the band’s cult status, they are expected to sell out quickly. There is also an opportunity to sign up to the band’s newsletter for pre-sale options before March 31. Whilst, there has been no official confirmation of additional UK dates yet, fans are encouraged to stay updated through the band’s official website for any future announcements.

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Formed in 2007, JLS rose to fame as runners-up on The X Factor in 2008. Despite not winning, they achieved remarkable success with five UK number-one singles and six top-ten albums. Their debut single ‘Beat Again’, released in 2009, topped the UK Singles Chart and remains their best-selling track. Following a hiatus in 2013, JLS reunited for the ‘Beat Again’ tour in 2021 and continued with the ‘Everybody Say JLS: The Hits’ tour in 2023. Their upcoming 2025 tour marks their third in five years, underscoring their enduring popularity. Fans eagerly anticipate the chance to relive the band’s chart-topping hits live on stage. With a history of energetic performances and a string of beloved songs, ‘The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits’ tour promises to be a highlight for concertgoers this autumn.

Seeing JLS again in November for the first time since 2010 omg
— RACH (@rachelisabel_1) March 26, 2025

The special guest Example is a British singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer known for his fusion of electronic, hip-hop, and dance music. He gained prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s with a string of UK chart hits. His most popular track in the UK is ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’, which reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart in 2011.
The tour kicks off on November 6 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and concludes with two nights at London’s O2 Arena on November 28 and 29. Tickets go on general sale on Friday, March 28, at 10 am. For further updates and pre-sale tickets, visit the band’s official website.

The band dropped their highly anticipated sixth studio album yesterday. It marks a bold new chapter for the rockers, blending their signature indie rock sound with deep, introspective themes and a fresh, experimental approach. This marks their first studio project in seven years and their first album featuring drummer Audrey Tait, who joined the band in 2021.

Our sixth studio album ‘The Human Fear’ is OUT NOW. Thanks for all of your support, we’ve worked hard on this album and we’re excited for you to finally be able to hear it in full. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. pic.twitter.com/wDZ3ycwxur

— Franz Ferdinand (@Franz_Ferdinand) January 10, 2025

Recorded at AYR Studios in Scotland and produced by Mark Ralph, the album delves into themes of fear and human experience. The album comprises 11 tracks, including the lead single ‘Audacious’, which has already made waves with its infectious groove and angular guitar riffs, a nod to the band’s early work while pushing into new musical territory. Other standout tracks like ‘Hooked’ and ‘Night or Day’ contribute to the album’s exploration of overcoming fear.

Franz Ferdinand is a Scottish rock band that formed in Glasgow in 2002. Known for their catchy, danceable indie rock sound, the band quickly rose to fame with their hit single ‘Take Me Out’, released on January 12, 2004, as the second single from their debut album ‘Take Me Out’. The song achieved significant success on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number three. The band is often associated with the post-punk revival of the early 2000s. Their music combines angular guitar riffs, punchy rhythms, and clever, sometimes ironic lyrics. They have described their goal as creating music that “girls can dance to”.

The setlist for this intimate show is unknown but their recent shows included songs such as ‘Bar Lonely’, ‘Night or Day’, and ‘Take Me Out’, a combination of older tracks and songs from the new album. In addition to this intimate performance, Franz Ferdinand has scheduled other shows in Glasgow for 2025, including a sold-out gig at the Barrowland Ballroom on March 5 and a performance at SWG3’s Galvanizers Yard on August 13. The band will also embark on a UK and European tour, starting February 14 in Lisbon, where they’ll bring ‘The Human Fear’ to stages across the continent, culminating with a final show in Glasgow on March 7, 2025.

9 shows on our upcoming UK/European tour are now sold out. Tickets for the remaining dates are available here: https://t.co/4PWvrJckUK pic.twitter.com/vshAm0elTD
— Franz Ferdinand (@Franz_Ferdinand) September 21, 2024

‘The Human Fear’ is available now for streaming on major platforms such as Spotify. For more information on the album and to catch a glimpse of the band’s upcoming performances, head to their official website and social media pages.

The proceeds of these events have been earmarked for funding the city’s struggling grassroots music venues.

It’s a small price for concert goers but one that could generate as much as £160,000 annually. The funds would act as life support for venues on the brink, the kind of places where future stars learn the art of live performance.

Venues such as the Hydro arena in Glasgow will be expected to uphold the policy, dubbed the “mega-gig levy,” which is acting like a lifeline for an industry reeling from the aftermath of pandemic closures, rising rents, and thin margins. According to the Music Venue Trust, the average grassroots venue ekes out a mere 0.5% profit. Compare this to the eye-watering revenues of ticketing giants like Ticketmaster, and the disparity feels almost Dickensian. “Without grassroots venues, many of the big names we celebrate today simply wouldn’t exist,” Green Party councillor Christy Mearns remarked in a recent council session. Her sentiment echoes far beyond Scotland.

I’m delighted to have received cross-party support today for a Stadium Levy pilot to be developed at the Hydro. It’s vital that this is considered as an opportunity to raise much-needed revenue for our important grassroots venues which are struggling…https://t.co/zhTANI4TdR

— Cllr Christy Mearns (@ChristyMearns) December 12, 2024

In response, to a difficult year for small venues in 2023, the UK government is now urging a voluntary ticket levy across the country’s major arenas and stadiums, with an industry-wide rollout aimed for 2025. Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant has called for tangible progress by early next year, signalling that the clock is ticking for grassroots spaces. As he noted: “Grassroots music venues are one of the UK’s most valuable and yet undervalued cultural assets. They are where bands try out new material, where whole new genres are born, where musicians experiment and where audiences get to experience the raw power of live music.” 

This Glasgow initiative is more than an isolated policy; it’s a leader for other venues to follow. Groups like the Music Venue Trust and Save Our Scene are rallying for nationwide adoption after the government has voted to introduce a voluntary levy to large venues, arguing that such measures are not just financial stopgaps but moral obligations in an industry built on communal experience.

Grassroots music venues are where the art of live performance is made —venues that once nurtured acts like Arctic Monkeys and Adele. They are also a means of fuelling local economies and providing a lifeline to communities. The levy is a modest, almost poetic gesture: the megastar reaching back to lift the next unknown dreamer onto the stage. It’s a sound investment in every sense.

Jill Brown has been intermittently working in Barlinnie Prison for the last 10 years, organising performances and shows for inmates. From this involvement with the prison, Jill began to arrange songwriting workshops for prisoners with an interest in hip-hop and rap music. In addition to the Barlinnie workshop, Jill has embarked on a publishing project. Conviction Records is a label, formed in late 2021, that focuses on giving those with a criminal history the support they need to pursue a career in music. While the label remains in its early stages of development, secured funding from Creative Scotland marks the beginning of the Conviction Records project. 

Speaking to the BBC, Jill said: “The workshops are designed to give the guys who take part a voice, because a lot of people who are actually in jail have never had a voice.” This is a significantly different perspective than one heard last year from Edinburgh Live and the Daily Record. In May of 2023, a video of several inmates rapping in Midlothian’s Addiewell Prison surfaced on TikTok. Reports from both outlets were scathing, calling the prisoners “Shameless”. Although this video was by no means sanctioned by prison staff and was recorded on a smuggled smartphone, it does reveal that many behind bars need some form of creative outlet. It is this need that Jill Brown aims to serve, making prison a more productive and rehabilitative environment for people who often lack the opportunity to integrate back into society. 

Speaking to the BBC about the workshop program, one inmate said: “It’s gave me something to look forward to, and it’s something I’m going to follow up on when I’m out. It’s came at the right time. It’s gave me a chance.” Projects like these are few and far between but hopefully the success of Jill’s work in Barlinnie will inspire other facilities to take a leaf out of her book. 

On the opening night, Friday 12, Liam Gallagher will grace the main stage. Whilst speaking about his return to the festival he said “Can’t wait to return to Glasgow Green next Summer to headline TRNSMT.” He continued by teasing about what he’ll play, hinting at some solo material “I’ll be playing songs from Definitely Maybe as well as some solo stuff. See you there.”

Bringing the pop vibes, noughties group The Sugababes have been announced for the Friday Line-up. Known for their iconic hits  ‘Push The Button’ and ‘About You Now’, the band are rumoured to have new releases in 2024. The English pop vocal trio of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy has changed musical line-ups three times before returning to the original members in 2012. The group released their first single in a decade in September 2023, the soulful song ‘When The Rain Comes’. 

Example has been announced as the headline act for the King Tuts Stage. The rapper and singer rose to fame in the 2010s with his catchy songs such as ‘Changed The Way That You Kiss Me’ and ‘Kickstarts’ and his funny personality, with dry humour, which fans adore. His personality has been shown in videos with his celebrity friends such as Ed Sheeran. Lastly, To complete the Friday line-up, fans will be rocking out to Pop Rock band Picture This and indie group The Last Dinner Party.

Saturday sees Gerard Crosbie, professionally known as Gerry Cinnamon headlining after a four-year break from playing the festival. The Scottish singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist is back, after saying “Get hounded on the daily to do TRNSMT again, well hound no more.”

Pop star, Rick Astley, who is known for his legendary debut track ‘Never ‘Gonna Give You Up’ will be joining the party on Saturday. The 80s singer has made a big comeback over the past few years, with Gen Z audiences ‘Rick Rolling’ each other. The new ‘internet meme’ has become a trend, with people seemingly clicking on a video, and instead being presented with Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give you Up’. Even supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is ‘Rick Rolling’ the nation in their 2023 Christmas ad.

Sunday is the day for all the ravers, with DJ Calvin Harris taking over the main stage. The popular DJ and producers, who have hits such as ‘How Deep is Your Love’ and ‘Feels So Close’ will arrive at TRNSMT for his first gig following his sell-out Ibiza residency. Dance duo, Chase & Status will also be bringing the energy on the final festival day. To see all these iconic artists and more, get tickets online here

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

This talented group is set to embark on their highly anticipated tour, commencing May 2nd 2024 at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club. The tour will then grace the stages of other vibrant cities such as Leeds, Manchester and London’s iconic venue KOKO on May 7th. Camera Obscura will then finish their UK tour in their home city on May 11, playing at the Barrowland Ballroom, in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale November 17.

Devoted fans can eagerly anticipate the debut of fresh material from the band, who have already produced five remarkable albums, the most recent being Desire Lines in 2013. The current lineup of Camera Obscura features the enchanting vocals of Tracyanne Campbell, the guitar skills of Kenny McKeeve, the bass lines of Gavin Dunbar, and the rhythmic beats of Lee Thomson on drums. Tracyanne Campbell comments,”We’re excited to be working again with Merge Records. We are looking forward to sharing new music with our fans and to playing live in 2024.”

In 2005, the band released the non-album single “I Love My Jean,” which went on to become their highest charting single on the UK Pop charts. The band showcased a 1960s acoustic sounding vibe.

In May 2019, Camera Obscura hinted at the possibility of releasing new music in response to a tweet about their album Desire Lines. Monorail Music said “Perfect timing, with Camera Obscura playing their first Glasgow show in 5 years tonight – their 5th & final album, Desire Lines, is being re-pressed.”
The band retweeted, “It’s definitely our fifth album…..”.

It’s definitely our fifth album…..

— Camera_Obscura_ (@Camera_Obscura_) August 5, 2019

The band confirmed in May 2020 that they were working on a new album but had to postpone recording due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 23 April 2022, they released a compilation album called Making Money which included rare B-sides, covers, a session recording, and two remixes. This album was dedicated to the memory of former band member Carey Lande.

The band took to their social media platforms to address their fans and share their delight to be back. They said, “We are very excited” and “We are also very pleased to announce that we’ll be playing some shows next year too. Tickets on sale on Friday”.

Fans can expect an unforgettable experience as Camera Obscura showcases their signature blend of baroque pop, infusing it with their unique musical skills and heartfelt lyrics. With their return to Merge Records and the promise of new material, this tour is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for both the band and their devoted fanbase. Fans showed their support and delight at the bands return and UK tour announcement and commented on social media. One fan commented, “Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now”. Another added, “Awesome“.

Brilliant news- I wasn’t far off posting a Simpsons meme about where is the new record but can hold off now — Richard Coulthard (@RichardBajor) November 14, 2023

Awesome! — Tim Thompson (@timothompson) November 14, 2023

Tour dates are listed below and tickets can be purchased here.

02/05/24 – The Trades Club – Hebden Bridge
04/05 – Stylus – Leeds
06/05 – Academy 2 – Manchester
07/05 – KOKO – London
09/05 – Concorde 2 – Brighton
10/05 – O2 Academy 2 – Birmingham
11/05 – Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow