English musician, guitarist of the Beatles; “the quiet Beatle”
The Rolling Stones have released a new studio album, Foreign Tongues, continuing their late-career renaissance. Critics praise Jagger’s voice and the band’s cohesive sound, with guests including Paul McCartney and Bruno Mars. The record features political prickliness and a mix of blues, disco, and rock, building on Hackney Diamonds (2023).
Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic and a prolific session guitarist who worked with Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and many others, has died at 79. His death has been confirmed by his publicist, with tributes highlighting his guitar-led contributions to rock and his enduring solo career.
A rare collection of Beatles letters and photos from 1960–62, including the only letter with words from both Paul McCartney and John Lennon, is being shown in Hamburg during Hafengeburtstag. The items offer insight into the band’s early days and development as they lived in the city.
Oxfam shops have benefited from notable donations of rare memorabilia. A signed Paul McCartney book has sold for £950, while a Tolkien first edition Hobbit has raised £38,400. Donors remain unknown in at least some cases, but proceeds support Oxfam’s poverty relief and emergency appeals.