English rock band formed in 1985; influential, genre-blending quartet
The Mercury Prize shortlist includes big names like Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney, Raye, and Florence + the Machine, while Lily Allen’s West End Girl is absent, prompting questions about the prize’s choices. The Independent notes the album’s critical acclaim and chart success, and the Guardian highlights the lineup’s blend of legacy acts and rising stars as the ceremony nears in Newcastle.
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.
The Royal Shakespeare Company has opened The Mad King, a Game of Thrones prequel, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The 3h45m production brings younger versions of familiar figures to the stage with a 36-strong cast and innovative puppetry. Reviews are mixed on pace and poetry, but the project aims to broaden GoT’s reach beyond devoted fans.
Geese’s Getting Killed signals a robust, contemporary rock moment. The band’s new work reflects global tensions and is doing so with force, while the political scene around Reform UK persists in a wary climate.
Oasis has revealed a 2027 world tour spanning the UK, Europe, and the US, with 11 Manchester shows and five Celtic Park dates in Glasgow. Richard Ashcroft will be the special guest on all dates. The news follows their 2025 reunion tour and a wave of teasers and drone displays ahead of the official announcement.
Oasis has announced a five-night Glasgow leg in May 2027 as part of a world tour, with ticket prices fixed between £71.50 and £263.50. The announcement follows a year of ticketing controversy around price transparency and dynamic pricing. Registrations for tickets are open, with controlled sale windows to improve fairness.