American singer-songwriter and cultural figure of the 2020s
Album and live review roundup shows veteran icons collaborating with younger artists across genres, highlighting a shift toward genre-blurring rock and electronic influences. Guardians The Guardian notes Loathe's radical departure in A Stranger to You; Scotsman highlights Foreigh Tongues with star guest appearances; Independent spotlights Wolf Alice, Moby, Lorde and CMAT at Madrid festival. Reviews suggest a wave of veteran swagger meeting new electronic and indie sensibilities.
A large crowd has attended Glen Hansard’s funeral at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin after the 56-year-old musician died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of the city. Friends and fellow musicians including Bono and Eddie Vedder have paid tribute; a public wake at IMMA and queues to sign condolence books have honoured his life and charity work.
A wave of new music sees artists blending genres and asserting creative independence. From Labrinth’s Cosmic Opera Act II to FLO’s Therapy at the Club and Shaboozey’s country-infused album, creators push for control over their work while embracing broader collaborations.
Carly Simon has announced her first album in years, Comes in Waves, while revealing a Parkinson’s diagnosis and skin cancer treatment. The collection revisits defining moments of her life and career, with songs touching on love, loss and renewal. Readers are invited to explore the full context of her career and health as she moves forward.
Ariana Grande has announced she is taking a break from public life after completing the Eternal Sunshine Tour, amid ongoing scrutiny of her appearance and body image discourse surrounding her latest album Petal. The move follows intense public commentary across outlets, with statements from her representatives about stepping back from public appearances and a London-stage withdrawal.
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is facing disruption after Macklemore is dropped and multiple supporting acts pull out, amid promoter-venue clashes sparked by pro-Palestinian comments. Promoter and artists have openly grappled with the decision, while Sheeran says the decision was final.
Artists including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdraw from Ed Sheeran's US Loop tour after Macklemore is dropped for pro-Palestinian remarks. Ed Sheeran says the decision rests with promoters as tensions rise around Gaza conflict coverage.
Robert Kraft has pledged to match Ed Sheeran’s $2 million donation to aid Gaza, while Macklemore has offered $1 million to Palestinian organizations. The developments come amid the withdrawal of opening acts from the Loop Tour after Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks, intensifying a debate over Gaza and free expression.