British singer-songwriter and pianist who reshaped pop and rock with flamboyant showmanship
Victor Willis, founder and lead singer of Village People, has died after a short, aggressive illness. He co-wrote hits including YMCA, Macho Man and In the Navy, helping define late-1970s disco. Willis left the group in 1980, later rejoined in 2017, and his passing ends a turbulent, influential career.
Performers including Bret Michaels, the Commodores and Martina McBride have withdrawn from Freedom 250’s planned I Love the 90s shows, citing misleading themes and potential political conflict. Flo Rida remains on the bill as of Friday, with organizers silent on further comment.
Public-private Freedom 250 events promoting America’s 250th birthday have seen multiple performers pull out after learning of the political framing, leaving a reduced lineup and prompting talk of a Trump-led rally replacing the concerts.
The Guardian, Scotsman, and other outlets review a wave of cultural events and anniversaries, from a Fall tribute festival in Manchester to Edinburgh Fringe brochures and jazz milestones in Glasgow, highlighting how classics are reinterpreted and how audiences are engaging with legacy acts and new performances.
Scotland have faced Brazil in Miami in Group C. They have conceded costly goals and now wait to see if they advance to the knockout rounds. Manager Steve Clarke has acknowledged mistakes while John McGinn says the players are gutted but committed.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have wed in a secretive Madison Square Garden ceremony attended by around 1,000 guests. The ceremony, officiated by Adam Sandler and featuring Dior looks from the couple, is followed by signs of potential documentary use and ongoing negotiations with entertainment companies to monetise the event. LM
Prince Harry’s plan to stay at Buckingham Palace during a UK visit has been withdrawn at the last moment, with Tuesday’s High Court judgment against Associated Newspapers Limited cited. The Palace says hosting arrangements were no longer available, while Harry’s team says the duke had formally accepted the offer before it was rescinded.