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Bradley Simpson Announces Headline Tour & Debut Album ‘The Panic Years’

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Bradley Simpson

Having performed in front of millions of fans around the world and selling out headline shows, Bradley Simpson is now channelling that star power into his debut solo album, ‘The Panic Years’. Set to be released on Feb 28th 2024, the record is destined to establish him as one of the UK’s most exciting new global artists.

As we’ve heard from the singles ‘Cry At The Moon’, ‘Picasso’, ‘Daisies’ and ‘Always Like This’, the album achieves a rare blend of qualities. On ‘The Panic Years’, Bradley’s new songs take in touches of indie-rock, Americana, ‘80s synth and psychedelia but they also sparkle with pop addictiveness. Just as importantly, the songs go far deeper into his personal experiences: life, love, lust and learning – a diaristic collection of rite-of-passage moments that fans will instantly connect to.

Bradley says, “I hope these songs and stories can help them navigate those experiences. They can become the soundtrack to their lives, whether they’re dancing, crying, going out or whatever it is. It really feels like an opportunity to let them into a side of my life that I haven’t shared before.”

Despite possessing the inspiration of an artist who is just starting out, the record’s consistent accomplishment means that there’s no mistaking Bradley for a brand new artist on this record. The album’s new single ‘Holy Grail’ demonstrates his maturity, both in the songwriting and his assured vocal delivery. Sonically, it sounds timeless, a slowburner that evolves from quiet intimacy into a richer tapestry of sound. Lyrically, it celebrates the future he has with a loved one, and how he can’t wait to go through the good times and the bad, as long as it’s with them.

The song was written at Wendy House Studios in London with Ina Wroldsen (Calvin Harris) and finished in the legendary Flux Studios in New York with the two-time Grammy nominee BOOTS (Beyoncé, Run the Jewels).

Bradley adds, “‘Holy Grail’ is a song about realising that going through ups and downs with someone you love makes it worth it. I spoke about that with my friend Ina, who is an incredible songwriter, and then wrote it around an electric guitar before I recorded anything. Later, BOOTS and I tracked live drums, and I wrote the outro in the studio. It was one of the harder ones on the album to finish because it felt quite delicate and anything we added really needed to earn its place in the production.”

Authenticity is a big part of what makes ‘The Panic Years’ such an evolution of sound. The majority of its songs started in his modest home studio, and that DIY vibe didn’t really shift even as they were developed with a host of top tier collaborators. Primarily working in New York’s Flux Studios (where The Strokes’ classic ‘Is This It’ was made), Bradely would enthuse over shared influences such as Queens of the Stone Age and The Raconteurs with BOOTS, Andrew Wells (Phoebe Bridgers) and Anthony Rossomando (Liam Gallagher).

Today also brings news of Bradley’s biggest headline tour to date – a run of shows which once again scales up after his forthcoming UK and Ireland November tour sold out in just one day. He has also received rapturous reactions at this year’s summer festivals including Reading, Leeds, Latitude and the Isle of Wight.

Fans who pre-order ‘The Panic Years’ HERE before 3pm on Tuesday Nov 12th will receive access to a pre-sale for tickets. General on sale begins at 10am on Friday Nov 15th. Bradley’s official store offers a signed vinyl and CD, as well as a randomly coloured recycled vinyl and a CD with alternative artwork. Retailer exclusives include Amazon’s signed CD, a poster booklet CD from hmv, and a recycled red vinyl from select indie stores.

His newly announced 2025 tour dates are listed below, please see HERE for a list of his remaining shows this year.

MAY 2025
7th – Dublin, The Academy
10th – Newcastle, University
11th – Glasgow, SWG3 Galvanizers
13th – Sheffield, Leadmill
14th – Leeds, Beckett Student Union
16th – Manchester, O2 Ritz
17th – Birmingham, O2 Institute
19th – Cardiff, Tramshed
20th – Bristol, SWX
22nd – Southampton, Engine Rooms
23rd – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town

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Olivia Rodrigo to headline BST Hyde Park 2025

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0

American Express presents BST Hyde Park announces its latest 2025 headliner, with 3X Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Olivia Rodrigo gracing the famous Great Oak Stage on Friday 27 June. She will be joined by special guests The Last Dinner Party and girl in red, with more names still to come. Tickets go on general sale at 9am GMT on Friday 15 November.

Less than four years since Olivia Rodrigo emerged to critical acclaim as a solo artist with the single ‘drivers license’, she has since become one of the most successful recording artists in the world. Amassing over 3.8 billion streams with her debut hit, tracks ‘good 4 u’ and ‘vampire’ followed suit – those three Billboard Number One singles made Rodrigo the youngest artist in history to debut three No.1 hits in Hot 100 history.

In 2023 she followed up the 4x platinum-selling debut album SOUR (2021) with GUTS, produced by and co-written with Daniel Nigro, showcasing a “sincere songwriter who captures the viewpoint of a teen outsider to perfection” (The Guardian). The Grammy-nominated record was praised as an “instant classic” by Rolling Stone and debuted at No 1 on the Billboard 200. GUTS topped the album charts in more than 13 countries, including the UK.

Beyond the record, the massively successful GUTS World Tour saw Rodrigo fill London’s O2 across four nights. The show was fêted by the press for its authenticity and for a punkier edge – “Quite possibly 2024’s most fun tour,” said NME, while Rolling Stone said, “Rodrigo cemented her position in pop culture as a generation-defining artist. As a rockstar.” Variety noted, “It’s a rock ‘n’ roll show, by the way — maybe the best rock tour we’ll get all year…”

In 2022, Rodrigo played the Other Stage at Glastonbury, but her headline slot at BST Hyde Park 2025 promises to send her live reputation sky high with her biggest UK show to date.

Joining Rodrigo at London’s favourite festival are special guests The Last Dinner Party. BRIT Rising Star and BBC Sound of 2024 winners, The Last Dinner Party took the music industry by storm with debut single ‘Nothing Matters’ before their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, hit No.1 in the UK Charts in February 2024.

The Last Dinner Party

Plus, girl in red, the indie pop music project of Norwegian singer-songwriter and record producer Marie Ulven Ringheim. Cited a ‘queer icon’ by Paper magazine, girl in red gained popularity with tracks ‘we fell in love in october’ and ‘bad idea’, with her eagerly anticipated sophomore album I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY! released in April of this year.

Girl In Red

BST Hyde Park again brought a hugely diverse range of superstars to the Royal Park in 2024 across three weekends – SZA to Kings of Leon, Morgan Wallen, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, Kylie Minogue and Stray Kids.

Olivia Rodrigo joins previously announced headliners for 2025, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Zach Bryan, Hugh Jackman, and Noah Kahan. Expect more incredible announcements soon, for the 2025 edition of the UK’s most anticipated summer event.

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

Tickets:
Amex Presale begins 9am GMT on Monday 11 November, ends 8am GMT Friday 15 November
General On Sale begins 9am GMT on Friday 15 November

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Award-winning Tyla stuns with her debut MTV EMAs performance

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Tyla performs on stage during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2024 held at Co-op Live on November 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images for Viacom International)

Global superstar Tyla made her debut appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards last night, performing her sizzling new single ‘Push 2 Start’ with a dash of her signature Grammy-winning international hit ‘Water’. Watch below.

The eye-catching performance, live from Manchester last night, marks Tyla’s first ever televised performance in the UK. The spectacle saw Tyla bring to life on stage the sizzling visuals from her ‘Push 2 Start’ music video with a troupe of female dancers.

Tyla scooped her first EMA wins in three categories last night – ‘Best African Act’, ‘Best Afrobeats’ and ‘Best R&B’ – after landing four nominations for the first time this year.

Tyla poses in the winners room during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2024 held at Co-op Live on November 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Handout/Getty Images for Viacom International)

Taken from her recently released deluxe edition of her record-setting debut album, titled “TYLA +”, ‘Push 2 Start’ helps to punctuate what’s been a historic breakout year for the South African star. She released the Aerin Morano-directed music video last week which racked over 1.5 million views within days.

She performed the new record for millions of viewers at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show and still has landmarks to hit before 2025 rolls in. Following a February Grammy victory and a record-setting run on the Billboard charts in the spring, when she became the highest-charting African female soloist on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 with ‘Water’ and “TYLA” respectively, Tyla has enjoyed a triumphant victory lap.

She also performed at this year’s LVMH Prelude to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and continued to dominate the awards circuit, including victories at the MTV VMAs and BET Awards and South African Music Awards.

In December, the South African star will return home for a ‘homecoming’ pair of sold-out live concerts, her first performances in the region since ‘Water’ exploded in Summer ‘23. In addition to her highlight Victoria Secret Fashion Show performance, Tyla has remained a force in the fashion world, earning an ELLE cover and headlines from outlets like WWD and Vogue for her scene-stealing moments at this year’s Met Gala and CFDA Awards.

Tyla’s music videos have continued to uphold the singer’s creative standard, employing storytelling and choreography techniques that have woven an exhilarating visual narrative to accompany the star’s award-winning music. Fans have supported the work to the tune of well over 100 million views just in 2024, and ‘Push 2 Start’ serves as the latest addition to the story.

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Cast confirmed as the opening band for all Oasis UK & Ireland Live ’25 shows

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Cast will open at all nineteen shows - credit Jim Mitcham

After Richard Ashcroft proved to be an immensely popular choice as the special guest for the UK and Ireland leg of the Oasis Live ‘25 tour, the line-up is now completed with the news that Cast will open at all nineteen instantly sold-out shows.

Cast firmly have the Oasis seal-of-approval with Noel Gallagher previously describing frontman John Power as being “as cosmic as the day is long.” Liam is also a big fan and chose Cast to join his ‘Definitely Maybe’ arena tour this past summer.

You only need to scratch the surface of Cast’s vast discography to see why the Gallaghers are such fans. Early, high-energy hits like ‘Alright’ and ‘Finetime’ are sure to fire up audiences from the outset, while anthemic slowburners such as ‘Sandstorm’ and ‘Walkaway’ are built for the biggest of stages. What’s more, their recent album ‘Love Is The Call’ more than matches the standard of their original era with highlights such as the title track, ‘Tomorrow Call My Name’ and ‘Faraway’.

John Power says, “I’m blown away at the reunion. Oasis are the voice of a generation and the songs that they wrote and sung were and still are the soundtrack to many people’s dreams. They are the people’s band.

I’ve known Noel and Liam all through the years, we go way back. It’s been some ride, some journey. I’ve felt and known their music personally, as a fan. It inspired me as songwriter, it blew the whole scene open like nothing before and it reached way beyond the stratosphere. Everything changed. We were all part of that and we will all be part of this. I’m especially looking forward to revisiting my family’s Irish roots when the tour hits Dublin. Let the opening chords shimmer and shine next July.”

The adventures between Oasis and Cast have always been innately intertwined. Even before forming the band, Liam had been a huge fan of John’s previous group The La’s and rated them as equal to The Stone Roses. John and the Gallaghers were soon acquaintances, and their shared trail caught fire as ‘Supersonic’ sent Oasis stratospheric. It was around this time that Oasis offered Cast a support slot after admiring John’s demos which became their debut album ‘All Change’. That show was where Cast were spotted and then promptly signed by Polydor. Cast went on to play at numerous legendary Oasis gig highlights, from Paris to Irving Beach, Loch Lomond to Knebworth – and now that Oasis have reformed, it feels like Cast are the perfect choice to play such a momentous occasion.

Still featuring fellow founder members Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson (guitar) and Keith O’Neill (drums), Cast were one of the biggest bands of their era with three Top 10 albums which all reached Platinum or Silver certification, as well as seven Top 10 singles. This year’s ‘Love Is The Call’ achieved their strongest chart positions (#22 Official Albums, #3 Independent Albums, #5 Album Sales) and critical acclaim in 25 years, with MOJO praising its “Brit Invasion melodies, thrusting rockabilly guitars, and lyrics that find hope in seaport-based fantasy and the power of connection.”

Oasis’s UK and Ireland shows – their only European shows in 2025 – are listed below. Please see HERE for details of all other international gigs spanning the USA, Canada, Mexico and Australia.

JULY 2025
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium (SOLD OUT)
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
16th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park (SOLD OUT)
25th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
26th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
30th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

AUGUST 2025
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
12th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium (SOLD OUT)
16th – Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT)
17th – Dublin, Croke Park (SOLD OUT)

SEPTEMBER 2025
27th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)
28th – London, Wembley Stadium (SOLD OUT)

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Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol join Sting to headline Latitude 2025!

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Snow Patrol at Y Not Festival - Photo by: Bethan Miller

DJ Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol will join Sting as headliners for Latitude Festival 2025!

Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim is poised to make a triumphant return to Latitude, where he last captivated a packed audience on the Second Stage in 2017. This time, he will grace the Obelisk Arena to celebrate 30 years of his iconic brand.

With timeless hits such as “Praise You,” “Right Here, Right Now,” “Weapon of Choice,” and “The Rockafeller Skank,” Fatboy Slim has been a dominant force in the global dance music scene since his breakthrough in the early ’90s acid house movement. As a true pioneer of big beat, his live performances are celebrated for their electrifying energy, stunning visuals, and exceptional curation.

Fatboy Slim expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m honoured that Latitude has invited me back, this time to headline the main stage. It’s a big tick on my bucket list. I can’t wait to be at the helm of the collective euphoria that the great people of Suffolk and I can create.”

Beloved British band Snow Patrol, known for their emotive melodies and anthemic hits, is set to return as headliners for Latitude. Having graced the festival’s very first edition in 2006, they are poised to close the 2025 event with yet another unforgettable performance.

The band last headlined in 2022, where they were joined by Ed Sheeran for a memorable rendition of “Bad Habits” before concluding with their hit “Just Say Yes.” With classics like “Chasing Cars,” “Take Back the City,” and “Crack the Shutters,” their return is eagerly anticipated by fans.

“We are delighted to play Latitude again! We’ve created so many amazing memories there in the past. We performed at the very first festival, and we’re excited to return for our third time. See you all there!”

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Rag’n’Bone Man announces Forest Live show at High Lodge, Thetford for 2025

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Rag'n'Bone Man - Photo Credit: @harriettkbols

Forest Live, Forestry England’s summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, has announced Rag’n’Bone Man as the latest headliner for its 2025 edition.

The renowned British soul-pop artist will perform a headline show amongst the stunning surrounds of Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford on 18 June 2025.

Rory Graham, best known as Rag’n’Bone Man, rose to prominence in 2016 with his unique blend of hip-hop, traditional blues and his powerfully deep baritone singing style. He scooped two BRIT Awards the following year, before cementing his success with the record-breaking release of his four-time Platinum, UK #1 album ‘Human’.

With a dedicated international fan base, Rag’n’Bone Man has continued to sell out tours and headline festivals across the globe and has collaborated with the likes of Gorillaz, Logic, Calvin Harris and P!nk. His third studio album ‘What Do You Believe In?’ was released earlier this month and proved an instant hit with fans, entering the top 3 in the UK Album Chart.

At Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford this summer, fans can expect to hear hits like “Human”, “Giant” and “Lovers In A Past Life” set against a stunning woodland backdrop.

Rag’n’Bone Man will be supported by inspirational and award-winning smokey-voiced songwriter Elles Bailey. Having powered her way to the forefront of the British Americana and roots scene over recent years, the artist has previously opened for the likes of Jools Holland, Van Morrison and Walter Trout, and has performed at Glastonbury.

Elles’ fourth studio album ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ was released via Cooking Vinyl earlier this year, and hit number #12 in the Official Album Charts, #1 in the UK Official Blues Charts, #2 in the UK Official Americana Charts, and #3 in the UK Official Independent Charts.

Merging stellar performances from world-class acts with beautiful outdoor locations to create an atmosphere like no other, Forest Live 2025 will take place at four forest venues: Forestry England Cannock Chase, Delamere, High Lodge, Thetford and Westonbirt Arboretum.

Blossoms join a selection of renowned global artists as confirmed headliners for the event’s 2025 edition, including Sting (Cannock Chase and Westonbirt Arboretum), The Script (Westonbirt Arboretum and High Lodge, Thetford), Elbow (Westonbirt Arboretum) and Blossoms (Delamere).

Forestry England manage and care for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests. They use the money Forest Live raises to maintain these beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees.

Last year they planted some 7.4 million trees and welcomed 285 million visits in 2023/24. Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests. Over two million people have enjoyed the Forest Live gigs over the last 23 years.

This year sees Forestry England present the concert series in partnership with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor for the second year running.

Rag’n’Bone Man with support from Elles Bailey
Wednesday 18 June 2025: Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 1 November 2025.

Fans can sign up for information, announcements, and exclusive pre-sale access at forestlive.com.

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The Struts Channel The Mighty Boosh In New Video ‘Can’t Stop Talking’

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
The Struts - Photo Credit: Whitney Otte

The Struts have just released the official music video for their brand new single ‘Can’t Stop Talking’. Out now on all platforms via Big Machine Rock, frontman Luke Spiller details how the band took a cue from The Mighty Boosh when crafting the new tune.

“By the time the choruses were written for the song, it reminded me of The Mighty Boosh episode ‘Jungle’”, Spiller explains. “There’s a scene where these ‘Mod Wolves’ show up and dance to this song that really had the same vibe to it. I was a big Boosh fan growing up – still am – and that was enough for me to know it was great.”

The instantly fun track is a throwback to the best of mod-inspired British rock as frontman Luke Spiller details escapades he’s gotten himself into (and out of) for his lack of filter. It’s a new sound and era for the acclaimed band, further cementing their reputation for being equally timeless and trendsetting.

“Arriving into the studio that day, I really wanted to try something that the band had never done before. It was very off the cuff, and everyone in the room was laughing a lot. Sometimes that’s a great sign,” Spiller explains. “What’s the point in not enjoying the process? I think that’s why we can get away with a song that is beautifully bizarre. It’s because I actually mean the lyrics, even if they do come across light-hearted. Believe me. I lived through that character in the song many times.”

The Struts have been a live sensation since they first erupted onto the scene with their US certified-Platinum anthem, ‘Could Have Been Me’, hitting the Top 5 on US radio charts and introducing the world to their triumphant, timeless rock sound.

Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut, 2016’s Everybody Wants, the British rockers set out on the road, bringing their energetic tracks to the stage with larger-than-life performances and cementing their reputation as a must-see live act. Lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies have continued to prove themselves worthy of that distinction since first coming together in Derby, England back in 2012. They’ve opened for the likes of The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Guns N’ Roses, while selling out shows across the globe and leaving a trail of unbridled rock collections, including 2018’s Young & Dangerous and 2020’s Strange Days, in their wake.

Their on-stage prowess and perpetual musicality have allowed them to reach the No. 1 Spot on Spotify’s Viral Top 50, garner more than 850M on-demand streams, and put them in the studio collaborating with Robbie Williams, Kesha, Tom Morello, Def Leppard, and more.

Charting a new era with their 2023 debut Big Machine album, Pretty Vicious, the band earned praise from across the board and made a triumphant return to the main stage at Download Festival earlier this summer. Now, the LA-based rockers return to continue upon their recent success with the instantly fun new single, ‘Can’t Stop Talking’, currently available on all platforms.

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Michael Kiwanuka Announces Stripped-Back Intimate Shows

By
Jimmy Mavroudis
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0
Michael Kiwanuka - Photo Credit: Marco Grey

Michael Kiwanuka has shared a new single, ‘Rebel Soul’, the fourth taster from his forthcoming new album, Small Changes. The new album is released on 22nd November via Polydor Records.

Listen to Rebel Soul

‘Rebel Soul’ is the latest introductory serving from Michael’s fourth record, and a slow-build mood-setter that crescendos with Michael’s own vocal weaving in and out of focus, dripping with soul.

Further to Michael’s recently announced (and near sell out) UK/European tour for next Spring, he is excited to announce details of an intimate, stripped-back live run in support of UK record stores next month. The six dates offer fans a chance to hear the new music in much closer confines ahead of the full electric tour next year. The new dates call at Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Kingston Upon Thames, concluding in Southampton. Tickets for these dates go on sale tomorrow (25th October) via the links listed below.

Pre-order Small Changes HERE

Driving conversations between producer Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and Michael about the direction of the album and particularly ‘The Rest Of Me’, the album’s penultimate track, was the desire to make an album that transcends any notion of what is or isn’t deemed “cool”. He recalls, “We were trying to shoot for something that might have made it onto a Bill Withers album or a Sade album.” Indeed, Sade is the case in point on this new track, as Michael remembers afternoons as a child in the back of his aunt’s car, “where Diamond Life was rarely out of the tape machine.”

Listen to the returning single Floating Parade.

Listen to Lowdown (part i) and Lowdown (part ii)

Listen to The Rest Of Me

Michael has just returned to the UK following a rotating headline tour across the US with Brittany Howard.

Stripped-Back Tour:

23rd November – HMV, Birmingham Tickets

24th November – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool (in association with Jacaranda) Tickets

25th November – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (in association with Crash) Tickets

27th November – The Level, Nottingham (in association with Rough Trade) Tickets

28th November – Pryzm, Kingston Upon Thames (in association with Banquet) Tickets

2nd December – The 1865, Southampton (in association with Vinilo) Tickets

2025 UK:

9th March – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

10th March – Eventim Apollo, London SOLD OUT

12th March – Usher Hall, Edinburgh SOLD OUT

13th March – O2 Apollo, Manchester SOLD OUT

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Liam Payne: journalistic ethics are often ignored when celebrities die

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The Conversation
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Memorial for Liam Payne in La Ramblas, Barcelona - Aniol, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

By Polly Rippon

When someone famous dies, particularly if they are young or it was unexpected, it is natural for their fans to want to know what happened. But, as the reporting on the tragic death of singer Liam Payne shows, the media does not always handle this appropriately or ethically.

The singer, 31, fell to his death from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires while under the influence of “drugs or alcohol”, local police said. LA-based celebrity news website TMZ initially reported the story alongside graphic images of Payne’s body.

After a backlash, TMZ removed the photos, but executive editor Michael Babock defended publication, claiming the site was “trying to confirm reports Liam had died before police had established his identity”.

Other mainstream outlets published transcripts or recordings of a 911 call made to police shortly before Payne was found, and an Argentinian newspaper published images of Payne’s hotel room which included images of drugs paraphernalia.

This is certainly not the first time the media, and TMZ in particular, has come under fire for insensitive or harmful reporting of celebrity deaths. When basketball great Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, TMZ shared the news before police were able to notify his family. Bryant’s widow later testified that she learned of her husband and daughter’s deaths through social media. This breaches the UK’s journalism codes of practice.

In their quest to get a scoop, what precautions and sensitivities do journalists have to respect when it comes to reporting sudden and tragic deaths?

Fans gathered in front of the Hotel “Casa Sur”, where Liam Payne passed away. Palermo neighborhood, Buenos Aires, Argentina – Photo by: Roberto Fiadone, CC BY 4.0

Media guidelines and ethics

The ethical standards and guidelines vary from country to country. In the UK,
these are set out by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) and independent press monitor Impress for print media, and by Ofcom for broadcasters.

An Ipso clause around intrusion into grief and shock says journalists should make enquiries with “sympathy and discretion” and publication should be handled “sensitively”.

Ofcom has similar guidelines for broadcasters. The section on privacy states: “When people are caught up in events which are covered by the news they still have a right to privacy.”

This can be infringed if “warranted”, says Ofcom, for example if it is in the public interest. This could include revealing or detecting crime, protecting public health or safety, exposing misleading claims or disclosing incompetence. But a tragic death, even of a high profile person, is unlikely to meet this standard.

Broadcasters should not interview or film people who have experienced a personal tragedy unless it is “warranted” or they have given consent. And journalists are advised not to “reveal the identity of someone who has died unless it is clear that the next of kin have been informed”.

Impress, which regulates more independent journalism, has released a statement condemning the reporting of Payne’s death.

It said: “The defence of publishing in the public interest does not give outlets carte blanche to report the most intimate details of a celebrity’s life, or their death.”

It is important to state at this stage that what happened prior to Payne’s tragic death and his intentions at the time are unknown. It is the job of the coroner to investigate and come to a conclusion at his inquest.

The effect of reporting on tragedy

Beyond accuracy and respect for the victim of a tragedy and their family, there are wider concerns that journalists should take into account.

Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown irresponsible media reporting of celebrity deaths, particularly suicides, can increase suicide rates.

One study examining patterns of suicide and media coverage found that in the five months following comic Robin Williams’ death in 2014, there were 1,841 more deaths from suicide in the USA compared to the same period the previous year – a 9.85% rise.

The WHO’s international guidelines for reporting suicide urge the media to avoid sensationalism. Journalists should not provide details about methods, and should include information about mental health resources in stories.

Analysis of over 100 academic studies found repeated coverage and high-profile news stories were most strongly associated with copycat behaviour.

The WHO states: “Such stories can inadvertently function as celebrity endorsements of suicidal behaviour and it is known that celebrity endorsements can have an impact on behaviour of the public.”

Sensitive reporting can reduce the risk of copycat suicides. Providing context in relation to mental health challenges and offering resources for support is vital.

In the UK, guidelines were first drawn up by the Samaritans charity in 1994 to improve reporting on suicide and prevent copycat attempts. These are taught to journalism students on courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Guidance includes avoiding “dramatic” headlines, emotive or sensational pictures or video footage and excessive amounts of coverage. Not speculating about the trigger or cause is urged, because it can oversimplify the issue.

“Coverage that reflects the wider issues around suicide, including that it is preventable, can help reduce the risk of suicidal behaviour”, the guidelines state. “Include clear and direct references to resources and support organisations.”

Making a change

Despite all of these guidelines, many media outlets flout them in the race for clicks. It is heartening that there has been so much outrage at the publication of the images of Payne, but some members of the public still seem to have an insatiable appetite for it. Nothing, it seems, is off limits.

We need to take collective responsibility. Journalists and editors should reacquaint themselves with responsible reporting guidelines and put themselves in the bereaved family’s shoes. Members of the public can also do their bit by not clicking on or sharing this kind of material, so editorial priorities change.

Ultimately, our thoughts must be with Payne and his loved ones. A death so young is a real tragedy and those who loved him will be affected for the rest of their lives.

If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, the following services can provide you with support:
In the UK and Ireland – call Samaritans UK at 116 123.
In the US – call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or IMAlive at 1-800-784-2433.
In Australia – call Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.
In other countries – visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline in your country.The Conversation

Polly Rippon, University Teacher in Journalism, University of Sheffield

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Global pop sensation aespa unleashes new EP ‘Whiplash’

By
Staff Writer
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aespa - Photo Credit: SM Entertainment

Global sensation aespa affirms their status as one of K-pop’s hottest girl groups right now with their latest release, “Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album” – out now via SM Entertainment / Virgin Records. Listen below.

The new six-track EP builds on a phenomenal year that has seen aespa launch their first full-length album “Armageddon” and kick off their second world tour, which hits North America and Europe in 2025. The “2024 – 25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : PARALLEL LINE” takes over London’s OVO Arena Wembley on 2 March. Full dates below.

Title track ‘Whiplash’ is a sassy house record with a punchy bass beat and lyrics that ooze the ‘it girl’ confidence befitting of a K-Pop group that has been smashing records all summer. The infectious track is co-produced by British DJ and producer Shift K3Y, who has also worked with Becky Hill. Watch the music video.

The accompanying tracks hear aespa deliver their signature confident anthems while also expanding their sonic palette to embrace different genres.

‘Kill It’ brings out their unapologetic side on a hip-hop/dance fusion track, using bristling metallic synths and aespa’s powerful vocals to convey a warning to anyone sending hate to the group. ‘Flights, Not Feelings’ slows the EP down to an R&B mid-tempo pace, highlighting the group’s effortlessly ethereal vocals. The uplifting lyrics encourage listeners to leave behind bad feelings, live freely and enjoy life.

‘Pink Hoodie’ delivers classic aespa, with syncopated synths and a deep, resounding bassline. The lyrics continue the theme of confidence, playing on a metaphor of feeling comfortable in yourself like a well-loved pink hoodie.

‘Flowers’ is an alt-R&B track with a refined guitar riff and sensual lyrics drawing on floral imagery to describe falling in love. The EP ends on ‘Just Another Girl’, a bouncy pop-rock song with grungy guitars that contrasts their clear, bright vocals. Despite the upbeat, anthemic feeling, the song follows the story of love’s betrayal and knowing your own worth – even if it means enduring heartache in the short-term.

“Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album” follows aespa’s monumental first full-length album “Armageddon”, which saw the already hugely successful girl group solidify their legendary status in Korea and beyond. ‘Supernova’, their first single off the LP, spent 15 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Korea’s domestic music streaming platforms Melon and Genie – setting a record on Melon for the longest-running number one in the platform’s history.

aespa – Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album

Listen to Whiplash – The 5th Mini Album by aespa.

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