Irish rock band from Dublin, formed in 1976
William Orbit, the London-born producer behind Madonna’s Ray of Light, has died at home on 23 July. His work spans Torch Song, Bassomatic, Beth Orton, Blur and All Saints, reshaping late-90s pop with electronic textures. Tributes have poured in from peers and artists who collaborated with him.
A wave of art and urban-design initiatives is reshaping public spaces in European cities. From Aberdeen’s Bon Accord Baths hosting a large-scale art installation to Glasgow’s archives becoming public, the trend emphasizes accessible, site-specific works that invite community engagement.
Pro-Palestinian activism has entered the spotlight on Ed Sheeran’s US tour after Macklemore used the stage to speak for Gaza and Palestine. The fallout has seen sponsors and venue owners pressure promoters to drop him, while Sheeran seeks to keep the peace amid a growing cultural backlash.
Blue have filmed a video for their latest single You Should Know in Dundee, with the clip directed around Chandlers Lane and Dock areas. The performance marks a 25th anniversary since the band’s formation and follows their This Morning appearance.
U2 has announced Carnaval de Luz, their 16th studio album, to be released on 13 November. The album features Dolly Parton on the final track Torn, described as a tender country duet. The Edge and Bono describe the project as a messy, provocative collection; the album includes collaborations with Martin Garrix and Ryan Tedder. Parton’s involvement marks her final vocal performance. The band previously released two EPs this year and has toured extensively.
Dolly Parton Day is being celebrated worldwide. Proclamations highlight Parton’s literacy advocacy, with events from Nashville to Manhattan, and charitable book donations through the Imagination Library continuing to broaden access to children’s reading.
The Mercury Prize has announced the 2026 ceremony in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, with PJ Harvey as a two-time winner and Sam Fender highlighted as last year’s winner. The Scotsman outlines eligibility rules, past winners and current contenders, including Olivia Dean and Nia Archives among favourites.