English singer, songwriter and actor; chameleon of rock
The David Bowie: On Tour exhibition has begun its national run, starting at V&A Dundee and touring to Blackpool, County Durham, Hull and Bristol. It features more than 100 artefacts, including Ziggy Stardust costumes, Berlin-era keys, Low-era art and a rare Simpsons-related item, drawn from Bowie's stored archive.
A new collection titled David Bowie: The Shel Talmy Recordings has been released to showcase the singer’s earliest recordings with Shel Talmy, featuring future stars like Jimmy Page and Nicky Hopkins. The set includes unheard tracks such as I Want Your Love, plus other early Bowie's performances. Liner notes by Alec Palao frame Bowie’s career as a sequence of complementary chapters.
Muna has built a reputation as a fierce live act with support from major stars. Their early setback at Pet-A-Palooza became a comic memory, while moves by RCA and Phoebe Bridgers helped them find direction. Today the trio balances punk-energy, electronic textures and personal songs that resonate with diverse fans.
A slate of Guardian and Independent pieces looks back at iconic robots and sci‑fi cinema, while The Guardian surveys TV droids and the Independent reflects on why Stranger Things resonated with Gen Z, noting nostalgia for pre‑tech life.
Meta promotes an optimistic view of AI, arguing the future is for everyone and that the benefits of technology should be widely distributed. The campaign contrasts its stance with rivals warning of job losses and security risks. The push includes a video ad featuring Zuckerberg and a message about keeping social media free and accessible.
Ronnie Le Drew, known for operating the Rainbow puppet Zippy, has died after a short illness. He trained at the Little Angel Theatre and co-founded the London School of Puppetry. His presidency of the British Puppet Guild and his contributions to puppetry are being remembered by colleagues and peers.
McFly is crafting a new album inspired by Oasis and pub-energy, aiming to merge crowd-friendly anthems with arena-ready sound. The band reflects on past setbacks, a later restart with Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory, and a push to balance four members’ ambitions.
UK music charts have seen Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s Rein Me In extend its lead as the longest-running No. 1 in UK history, spending 19 non-consecutive weeks at the top. Reports from The Guardian, Reuters, Independent and BBC Business confirm the track’s record and discuss cultural implications amid streaming-driven fragmentation.