American singer-songwriter and cultural figure
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 has returned to the stage in Philadelphia and has addressed the controversy after promoter Messina Touring Group removed Macklemore from remaining US dates following his onstage 'Free Palestine' remarks. Four supporting acts have withdrawn in solidarity, ticket sales have softened and some venues warned they would cancel shows if Macklemore remained on the bill.
The Loop Tour has faced disruption as four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments. Promoter and venues say decisions were final; Sheeran has publicly distanced himself while stressing he won’t discuss Gaza or political issues at shows.
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.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after pro-Palestine remarks, prompting other acts to withdraw and drawing scrutiny of venue owners and promoters. Ed Sheeran says the decision was promoter-driven, not his, while fans and artists weigh in on free speech, sponsorship, and accountability. The tour resumes in Philadelphia with uncertainty over lineup and ticketing.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after venue owner Robert Kraft accused him of hate speech for pro-Palestinian remarks. Kraft has called for donations to humanitarian aid and said Sheeran asked him to match a $2 million pledge. Other opening acts have withdrawn in solidarity as the tour faces growing backlash.
Ed Sheeran has faced mounting backlash as Macklemore has been removed from the US leg of the Loop Tour after pro-Palestinian remarks. The move has sparked a wave of support from fellow artists and a backlash from fans, with Sheeran apologizing to fans as criticism of his apolitical stance grows.
Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US tour after a pro-Palestine speech. The move has sparked a debate on politics in music, with backers and critics arguing over artist responsibility while venues and promoters face pressure. Sheeran has stated the decision came from promoters, not him, and aims to keep concerts as safe spaces.
The Ed Sheeran tour has been thrown into crisis after Macklemore was dropped for his pro-Palestinian remarks. Promoters say the move is to protect venues and the tour’s continuity. Sheeran has apologised and emphasised unity, while other acts have withdrawn in solidarity. The controversy has sparked protests and public comment from fans and fellow artists.
Macklemore has announced a short "Free Palestine" tour, saying three European dates have sold out and that proceeds will go to Palestinian aid groups. The shows will run in Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30; additional US dates and guest artists will be announced. He made the move after being removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour earlier in September.