Entertainment News

International movie superstar, Idris Elba, spent the time playing his guitar whilst he, and his wife, Sabrina, revealed that they passed their coronavirus quarantine.

The star of Luther, Mandela, Fast, Pacific Rim and Thor: The Dark World, spent two weeks in isolation after testing positive for the Covid-19 virus while shooting in New Mexico for a new film due for Netflix.

They kept themselves entertained whilst housebound as they got involved in the latest Tik Tok challenge – dubbed ‘Bored in the House’.

Idris, 47, made the most of the lockdown as he played his guitar whilst he was chilling out on the sofa.

Although they both passed their coronavirus quarantine period, they are currently stuck in the US awaiting a flight back to the UK.

Living his life with his own personal mantra of; “Let music build a bridge and let dance help you cross it” Dhol King Gurcharan Mall BEM, CEO, is the epitome of ‘If music be the food of life, then play on’.

The multi-award winning internationally renowned dhuol drumming master is a living legend in his relentless drive to promoting Dhol and Bhangra music throughout the world for over 52 gold-laden years.

The only recognised Asian artists of note, in the world, to hold three world recordsand who also received 8 ‘Lifetime Achievements Awards’ – including one from The Phoenix Newspaper three years ago.

A Bhangra historian, artistic director, organiser, teacher, singer, music producer, writer, choreographer and ambassador, Gurcharan, best known affectionately as King G, has not only been ‘banging the drum’ for the dhol drum, he has, since 1963, been promoting his home city, Birmingham, around the world to highlight the vast musical and cultural diversity his UK hometown has to offer the world.

And only recently he was further recognised; this time awarded with the “biggest honour for my 52 years of hard work sacrificing my family life in the pursuit of introducing the Dhol drum and making it popular worldwide”, as he put it.

At the Professional University, he was blessed and honoured to receive a special award for introducing the Dhol and making popular around the world, which was presented to him by RandeepSingh Kohli, president of World Book of Records – London, at the University, in Punjab, in India.

In addition to that he was presented with another ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ (his 8th L.A.A) for introducing the Dhol worldwide by Joginder S Jogi from Punjab Youth Club Origination at the Punjab Press Club Jalandhar and became the only Asian performing artists in the world to receive three world titles:- the Dhol Guinness World Record from 315 to 632 – the Bhangra Guinness World Record from 2,167 to 4,411 – and for introducing and making the Dhol drum popular worldwide (World Book of Records London) – 2 great titles on 1 certificate.

King G says: “God is great for blessing me that I am the ONLY Asian artists in the world who got 3 World Records and also who received 8 Lifetime Achievements Awards & 1 of them is yours 3 years ago”.

A founder member of Apna Sangeet and founder of:- Nachdey Hasdey, Nachda Sansaar, Hard Kaur, Dhol Blasters, Bhangra Blasters and Band Baja, King G Mall, a living legend within our midst, is stopping at nothing to spread the love of his musicical gift – the Dhol Drum – throughout the world.

New research has revealed the secret education behind some of today’s biggest stars, showing there may be more to certain celebrities than meets the eye.

With awards over for another year adult education charity, City Lit, has researched the topics and qualifications the big winners studied before they were famous, to showcase how education can help prepare you for life on the big stage.

Lizzo

Hip hop, pop and R&B star Lizzo, who recently took home a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance, studied Classical Music at the University of Houston, where she also developed her craft as a flute player.

Awkwafina

Similarly, Nora Lum, the actress also known as Awkwafina, who scooped a Golden Globe for Best Performance in a Motion Picture in Music and Comedy, majored in Journalism and Women’s Studies at the University of Albany in New York, before turning her attention to acting and comedy.

Roger Deakins

Experienced and acclaimed cinematographer, Roger Deakins, the winner of the Critics’ Choice Award for his work on the film 1917, was originally on a different path altogether. After studying to be a Graphic Designer at the Bath Academy of Art, Roger’s persistence and dedication to photography on the side eventually saw him admitted to the National Film School and his career took off from there.

Boon Joon Ho

It’s a similar story when looking at the reigning Critics’ Choice Best Directors. Parasite director, Boon Joon Ho, who shared the award with 1917’s director Sam Mendes. He has a degree in Sociology from the University of Yonsei in South Korea, whilst Mendes achieved a first-class degree in English from the University of Cambridge.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger, who scooped the Oscar for Best Leading Actress for her starring role in Judy, boasts an English degree from the University of Texas, again flying the flag for those in the showbiz industry who were very accomplished before becoming a global star. 

While some of these international stars benefitted from seeing out their education to the end, some of this year’s big players made a huge success of themselves through more unorthodox routes.

Billie Eilish

Pop artist, Billie Eilish, is a prime example. The young American musician is currently dominating the music industry and was recently crowned Best International Female Artist at the Brits without pursuing any further education. In fact, the global superstar was largely home-schooled in her youth and was taught the basics of song writing by her mother from a young age.

Chris Jones, Director of Sales and Marketing at City Lit, said: “From seeing the broad spectrum of educational journeys some of the very best in film and music went on before realising their fame, it is clear that the skills and knowledge you learn through school, college and university can help you to achieve huge success.

“At City Lit, we pride ourselves on the huge range of courses we offer, with more traditional subjects available alongside a variety of subjects and skills to suit anyone’s interests and desires to learn.”

City Lit also has its own share of famous faces gracing its corridors, with David Bowie, actors Steven Berkoff and Richard Wilson, authors Jake Arnott and Jenny Colgan, comedian Jimmy Carr and Britain’s first female Muslim comic, Shazia Mirza, all attending the college.

To mark World Theatre Day (Friday 27 March), the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) invited people to join a live ‘watch along’ from their living rooms on Saturday 11 April of a recording of their 2017 production of Shakespeare’s comedy ‘Twelfth Night’, featuring Adrian Edmondson as Malvolio and Kara Tointon as Olivia.

The production will premiere on Marquee TV on Saturday 11 April, with the watch-along starting at   (UK time).

Marquee TV, the international multi-genre performing arts streaming service, working with the RSC and other arts organisations, is responding to the current closure of theatres by offering everyone a no obligation free 30 day trial to watch some of the best in theatre, dance and opera.  There are already 17 RSC productions available to stream, including ‘Richard II’ and ‘King Lear’ with, respectively, David Tennant and Antony Sher in the title roles.

Marquee TV will also be streaming ‘premieres’ of productions that are new to the platform, including ‘Twelfth Night’, each Saturday. 

The RSC is inviting everyone to join the ‘watch along’ by posting their comments live on Twitter during the performance. People can get involved by following the RSC - @theRSC - and by using the hashtag  #AlmostLiveFromTheRSC

Directed by Christopher Luscombe and set in 1890s England, ‘Twelfth Night’ originally opened in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2017. As with all of its Shakespeare productions since 2013, the RSC also broadcast Twelfth Night into cinemas across the world and into schools for free.

Christopher Luscombe, director of ‘Twelfth Night’, said: “In these testing times it’s wonderful that theatres are sharing such a range of their productions online. I do hope Twelfth Night will help to keep everyone entertained. As the play centres on two lost souls trying to find their way in an unfamiliar world, it may well speak to us all as never before! I was blessed with a fantastic cast and production team on this show, and I’m thrilled that their work is being celebrated - especially at a time when live theatre has had to be put on hold. A ‘watch along’, with the audience commenting on Twitter, sounds like a great idea to me - it’ll be fascinating to hear what everyone has to say!”   

Marquee TV’s Susannah Simons said: “Twelfth Night is just the right play to lift the spirits, and this is a wonderful production.  We are thrilled to be able to bring it to a wider audience, cross garters and all.”

Winners of two prestigious BBC Young Musician competitions will play for free to global audiences, from the centre of Birmingham’s cultural heart, when Lauren Zhang and Xhosa Cole each perform concerts in a brand-new initiative from Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) Birmingham.

THSH is closed but the iconic concert halls cannot be silenced and, in the coming weeks, performances by Xhosa and Lauren will be broadcast on Facebook, enabling audiences to come together in the safety of a digital space.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive of THSH, said:

“Music has the power to bring people together.  Our Facebook Watch Parties are ensuring that audiences can do just that. Self-isolation does not need to mean people are isolated from their communities. Town Hall Symphony Hall is committed to bringing live music to our city and beyond and these Facebook Watch Parties will provide an opportunity for our friends to continue their discovery of the best of Brum’s musicians.”

On Monday 30 March, experience the ‘total phenomenon’ that is Lauren Zhang on the Watch Party.

Lauren Zhang began studying piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire while attending Birmingham’s King Edward VI High School, and is now considered as one of the world’s finest musicians. When she won the BBC Young Musician 2018, Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: "I can honestly say that Lauren is up there with the best – she is a total phenomenon”. Lauren is soloist with the BBC Orchestra, the BBC Proms and Proms in the Park, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the London Mozart Players and the European Union Chamber Orchestra.

Toks Dada, THSH Classical Programme Manager, said:

“At just 16-years-old, Lauren Zhang won BBC Young Musician 2018 at Symphony Hall. Almost two years on, I'm delighted that the Birmingham pianist continues to visit and work with our halls. It seems entirely appropriate that Town Hall Symphony Hall has turned to a member of Generation Z, who has grown up in a digital age, to perform classical music to an online audience – encouraging global connectivity at this time of self-isolation.”

On Friday 10 April, join the Watch Party for Xhosa Cole’s Quintet.

Saxophonist Xhosa Cole, described by The Daily Telegraph, as ‘one of the hottest properties in British jazz’, won the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 with his ‘heartfelt’ performance. Handsworth-born Xhosa first played the tenor at Andy Hamilton's Ladywood Community Music School and joined the Jazzlines Ensemble as part of THSH’s Talent Development Programme. He regularly performs around Birmingham and teaches the city's next generation of talent.

Mary Wakelam Sloan, Jazz Programme Manager, said:

“Throughout its history, jazz has connected with communities across the world. And this performance by a musician as creative and inspiring as Xhosa will reach out to thousands of people. I’m immeasurably proud that the Jazzlines Talent Development Programme has risen to these challenging times with this innovative response, and we thank Arts Council England and PRSF for their support, enabling us to support Birmingham’s freelance musicians during these testing times. This Watch Party will show how jazz has the power and the passion to bring us all together digitally, wherever we are.”

Jazzlines is a unique programme of creative jazz music and talent development from the charity that runs THSH. It offers performance opportunities to emerging and established contemporary jazz musicians as part of a thriving, artistically excellent programme in venues across the city and commissions cutting-edge new work, providing support to ensure future performances and a legacy for new projects.

Jazzlines’ FREE Friday jazz gigs will be performed in Symphony Hall’s brand-new performance space when it opens this autumn. This unique space, for talented local artists to have even more opportunities to perform as part of a daily programme with free and affordable performances, is part of the £13.2 million redevelopment of the world-renowned venue’s foyer.

Elected to America’s country music Hall of Fame, the worldwide revered singer, Kenny Rogers, was known throughout for standout hits which included the likes of; ‘The Gambler’, ‘Lucille’, ‘Lady’ and ‘Coward Of The County’.t

But he would probably be best known for his multi-award winning hit, with fellow Country music legend, Dolly Parton – ‘Islands In The Stream’ – which was written by Britain’s own multi-award winning superstar brothers the Bee Gees.

Released in 1983, from his (Kenny Rogers) album; ‘Eyes That See In The Dar’, the Platinum-winning song, which in fact, was written with Mowtown legend, Marvin Gaye, in mind, was voted as the best country music duet of all time.

Born in Houston, Texas, in the USA, the singer and songwriter, who also dueted with Scottish singing star Sheena Easton, as well as co-wrote with Mowtown superstar, Lionel Ritchie (who, himself, wrote the afore mentioned ‘Lady’), the three-time Grammy Award winner was also awarded with a special Lifetime Achievement award for his 6 decades-spanning career in the music industry.

On hearing of his death, Ritchie tweeted: ‘Today I have lost one of my closest friends.So much laughter, so many adventures to remember. My heart is broken…My pryers go out to Kenny’s family’.

“My heart is broken”, Parton said. “We all know that he (Kenny) is in a better place than us”

A hugely versatile character, he also made a name for himself as an actor in some leading films and television shows.

He was 81.

ENJOY BIRMINGHAM’S HOTTEST JAZZ MUSICIANS FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME: COME TOGETHER ONLINE FOR A JAZZLINES FACEBOOK WATCH PARTY

Following government advice, Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) is closed. But the iconic concert halls cannot be silenced and, in the coming weeks, the venues’ much-loved FREE Friday jazz gigs will be broadcast to Facebook, enabling audiences to come together in the safety of a digital space.

Watch Parties were launched by Facebook in 2018 as a new way for people to watch videos on Facebook together in real time. Once a Watch Party is started, participants can watch videos, live or recorded, and interact with one another around them in the same moment.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive of THSH Birmingham, said: “Music has the power to bring people together. Our forthcoming Facebook Watch Parties of the FREE Friday jazz gigs ensure that audiences can do just that. Self-isolation does not need to mean that people are isolated from their communities and through Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Jazzlines, we’ve built an incredible community with a shared passion for jazz music. Town Hall Symphony Hall is committed to bringing live music to our city and these Facebook Watch Parties will provide an opportunity for our friends to continue their discovery of the best of Brum’s musicians”.

On Friday 27 March, join the Watch Party for Olivia Murphy and Olly Chalk’s duo.

Saxophonist and composer Olivia Murphy regularly plays on the Birmingham scene and is a member of Birmingham Jazz Orchestra. Her sextet has also recently played at Birchfield Jazz Festival and The Spotted Dog, and in November recorded new material for a 2020 release. She will play alongside jazz pianist Olly Chalk, who is currently undertaking a Master of Music (MMus) programme in jazz piano at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance.

On Friday 3 April, join the Watch Party for Joey Walter’s Me & 3.

Saxophonists Joey Walter, a graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire, and Ben Markland, a music technology tutor and workshop practitioner with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, have been playing together along with Tom Martin for eight years. They recently welcomed Rosie O’Callahan on baritone to the quartet, Me & 3. Alongside their usual repertoire, featuring composers such as Bob Mintzer, Mike Mower and Jeff Driskill, they will be playing some new arrangements and original material by Joey.

On Friday 10 April, join the Watch Party for Xhosa Cole’s Quintet.

Saxophonist Xhosa Cole won BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 for his “heartfelt” performance.

Xhosa is an embodiment of the success of numerous music outreach programs within Birmingham, including THSH's Jazzlines. As a saxophonist, flautist, composer and producer, Xhosa has played, studied and collaborated with a wide range of world-class musicians and composers.

Mary Wakelam Sloan, Jazz Programme Manager, said: “Jazz thrives on challenge and innovation, and I’m immeasurably proud that the Jazzlines Talent Development Programme has risen to these challenging times with this innovative response. We thank Arts Council England for their support, which in turn has enabled our support of Birmingham’s freelance musicians during these testing times. Town Hall Symphony Hall values the crucial contribution musicians make to the city’s creative life, its economy and the enjoyment of local people and visitors”.

Jazzlines is a unique programme of creative jazz music and talent development from the charity that runs THSH. It offers performance opportunities to emerging and established contemporary jazz musicians as part of a thriving, artistically excellent programme in venues across the city and commissions cutting-edge new work, providing support to ensure future performances and a legacy for new projects.

Jazzlines’ FREE Friday jazz gigs will be performed in Symphony Hall’s brand-new performance space when it opens this autumn. This unique space, for talented local artists to have even more opportunities to perform as part of a daily programme with free and affordable performances, is part of the £13.2 million redevelopment of the world-renowned venue’s foyer.

In these uncertain times, many registered charities are relying on the generosity of their supporters more than ever. A large part of THSH’s success has been made possible with our audience’s support. To find out how to donate, visit https://www.thsh.co.uk/join-and-support

Following government advice, Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) is currently closed. 

The Box Office remains open Monday to Friday, processing a large volume of refunds and contacting audiences with updates as soon as they are able to do so. We continue to ask that you do not call the Box Office while we manage the impact of this pandemic.

As we agree with event organisers that performances will be postponed or cancelled, we will contact those customers who are affected as soon as possible. We are making every effort to find alternative dates for postponed performances within the next 12 months. Thank you for your patience while those conversations take place. 

These iconic concert halls have the power to change lives, entertain and uplift through music. They cannot be silenced. In the coming weeks, the venues’ much-loved FREE Friday Jazzlines Gig will be broadcast to Facebook along with a collaboration amongst European Concert Halls to stream from venues across the continent. Music has the power to bring people together and we are pleased to support audiences as they come together in the safety of a digital space.

Is my performance cancelled?

You can find the most up-to-date information on cancelled or postponed events here: https://www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/coronavirus-covid-19-update

We are making every effort to find alternative dates for cancelled performances within the next 12-months. Thank you for your patience whilst those conversations take place. 

How can we support?

As a registered charity, a large part of Town Hall Symphony Hall’s success has been made possible by our audiences. If you would like to support us in these uncertain times, you can do so here: https://www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/coronavirus-covid-19-update

Can I have a refund now?

We are only issuing refunds where it has been agreed that a performance or event is cancelled. As soon as this information is available, we will contact you directly. If you’re unable to make rescheduled dates, refunds will be available.

I haven’t had an email or phone call?

The Box Office team are processing a large volume of refunds and contacting audiences with updates as soon as they are able to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

When will I get the money?

Once a refund procedure has been initiated, we will begin processing refunds. Funds will be with you as soon as possible.

Can I buy tickets for other shows?

Yes, though we can’t guarantee shows will proceed given the current health climate.

How can I join the Facebook Watch Party?

Log-in to Facebook and find ‘Town Hall Symphony Hall’ on Facebook. The broadcasts will happen at 5PM on Friday 27 March and Friday 3 April. Once a Watch Party is started, participants can watch videos, live or recorded, and interact with one another around them in the same moment. 

Full listings can be found here: https://www.thsh.co.uk/whats-on/season/watch-party

How long will you be closed for?

Given the uncertainty, we are unsure how long we may be closed for. For the latest updates, visit https://www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/coronavirus-covid-19-update

A Birmingham GP practice and its patients will be appearing in the latest TV series of the popular Channel 5 show GPs: Behind Closed Doors, which begins next Wednesday (18 March 2020) at 8pm.

Hall Green Health, which is based on the Stratford Road, in the Hall Green area of Birmingham was selected as the first practice in the West Midlands to appear on the show.

This series, the seventh, is set to start and will run for nine months. Previous series have filmed at GP surgeries in ​Bradford, Bristol, Slough and South London​. 

The show will provide a fascinating insight into this busy practice, taking viewers into the private world of a local GP surgery to find out what happens during appointments.

Filming began in April last year (2019), and the practice was fitted out with 44 cameras; with four shooting at any one time, five-days-a-week. They have captured a consultation room, a minor operations room and a treatment room, as well as waiting area, reception and records desks, and all the patients featured have provided their consent to be filmed and appear on the TV show.

John Hood, Practice Manager at Hall Green Health, said: “We’re so excited that the show is set to start next week. The filming provided the team with an opportunity to demonstrate the many new ways of working we have developed and implemented to improve the service to our patients. It was a great opportunity to showcase and share some of the things that have really worked for us.

“The patients were also fantastic; first for agreeing to be filmed, and second for being brave enough to discuss personal, important issues on camera. This allowed showcasing typical problems faced by patients in the 21^st century.”

Kabaad- The Coin is the result of Varadraj Swami’s  long and interesting journey of exploring various departments in the industry while being behind the camera. 

As a filmmaker who is full of ideas, Varadraj Swami aims to venture into unexplored realms of film making by experimenting with new themes and subjects. 

He envisions delving in to  revolutionary and untrammelled areas and thus be able to discover his inner self using the limitless possibilities and scope of cinema    

Varadraj Swami, who has penned the critically acclaimed film Manjhi the mountain, is constantly involved in developing new revolutionary experimental thoughts and unique ideas to present Indian films in International frame "As a director we make films for two reasons- when we want to say something to the world and when we want to entertain people. I want to do both and my film Kabaad- The Coin satisfies both for me"

Varadraj calls himself a story teller & through directing, he successful salivates his craving to tell a story from his perspective.

The starcast of the film Vivaan Shah, Zoya Afroz and written by Shahzad Ahmed and Varadraj Swami, produced by Meena Negi, Babban Negi and Co-Produced by Deepak Prajapat.

"KABAAD- THE COIN" is the first film ever made in the historic Ram- Siya Coin. The team of "KABAAD- THE COIN" has explored a subject never featured before in Bollywood.

Wolverhampton Grand announced that the Grammy award winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR will make their Grand Theatre debut on Sunday 25 October 2020.

Winner of the 2019 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for “Freedom”, a collection of songs which celebrate and commemorate South Africa’s democratic movement’s struggle for freedom, SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR now bring their Freedom concert to the UK. 

Hailing from Soweto (South West Township), a town outside Johannesburg and home of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s democratic movement, the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs, and international classics.

Comprising a line-up of South Africa’s best vocalists, these amazing performers have been spreading sheer joy to audiences across the globe for nearly two decades.  The Choir has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including U2, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Josh Groban.

In this uplifting and joyous repertoire, the Choir will perform a rousing program of freedom songs celebrating the life of the father of their Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela, as well as international gospel classics, including a spine-tingling take on Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and an extraordinary rendition of Amazing Grace which has had over 15 million views on YouTube.

“The SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR members are thrilled to return to the UK for the Freedom Tour,” producer Andrew Kay said. “The group continues to inspire fans worldwide, but the reaction we get from audiences in the UK is unforgettable. We hope that our uplifting message of hope, faith, and joy reaches audiences new and old on this special return visit as we celebrate the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela.”

After serious consideration, it is with much regret that THE WHO have postponed their U.K. tour, due to start next Monday March 16th in Manchester at the Manchester Arena and finishing at Wembley SSE Arena on April 8th. The dates will be rescheduled for later in the year. All tickets will be honoured.

The fans' safety is paramount and given the developing Coronavirus concerns, the band felt that they had no option but to postpone the shows as a precaution.
 
Singer Roger Daltrey assures fans that the shows will “Definitely happen and it may be the last time we do a tour of this type, so keep those tickets, as the shows will be fantastic”.
 
Pete Townshend said the band, ”Haven't reached this decision easily, but given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead."
 
Sadly, THE WHO will also be unable to appear at the Royal Albert Hall on March 28th as part of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust shows but intend to reschedule that show also, with more news to follow.
 
Affected shows are below
 
March 16 – Manchester Arena
March 18 – Dublin 3 Arena
March 21 – Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
March 23 – Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena
March 25 – Leeds First Direct Arena
March 28 – London Royal Albert Hall (Teenage Cancer Trust)
March 30 – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
April 1 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
April 3 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
April 6 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
April 8 – London SSE Wembley Arena

This has been quite a year for Sea Girls, one of the UK’s most exciting new bands, named after a misheard lyric from a Nick Cave song. They signed a major record deal with Polydor, are touring the globe, triumphed at Reading and played their biggest UK show to date when they sold out London’s Forum.

Sea Girls are a band aiming first and foremost at being the sing-a-long torch bearers for a whole new generation. Much of their success is driven by their energetic live performances and uncanny ability to write songs like ‘Violet’ and ‘Damage Done’ that enjoy heavy Radio 1 support.

Charismatic lead Henry Camamile explains their mission statement: ”We’ve worked so hard to get here. We’re so clear-headed about where we want to go, where we want to be and what we want to say. I don’t want to let anything knock us off track. 2020 is going to be massive for us. Bring it on.”

An incredible one-off celebration of the early music of Fleetwood Mac will be screened in cinemas across the country on Tuesday 2nd June and Sunday 7th June, as Mick Fleetwood and a stellar cast of guest stars pay tribute to the music of founding member, Peter Green.

The once-in-a-lifetime celebration was captured at The London Palladium on February 25th 2020, and features a spectacular line-up of musical greats curated by Mick Fleetwood, including Neil Finn (Crowded House), Noel Gallagher (Oasis), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Jonny Lang, John Mayall, Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac), Zak Starkey, Jeremy Spencer (Fleetwood Mac), Pete Townshend (The Who), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Rick Vito (Fleetwood Mac), and Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones).

The house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Andy Fairweather Low, Dave Bronze, and Ricky Peterson.

Tracks performed at the event include seminal Fleetwood Mac classics, such as ‘Albatross’, ‘Green Manalashi’, ‘Need Your Love’, and more.  

The Times gave the Palladium concert 5*’s, calling it ‘a unique treat’, whilst The Guardian called it a ‘rousing all-star celebration in their 4* review, and The Daily Telegraph hailed the show as the ‘rock ‘n’ roll equivalent of Avengers Assemble'.

Directed by award-winning concert director Martyn Atkins (Joni 75, Crossroads Guitar Festival, Cream at the Royal Albert Hall), the cinema event will feature an introduction by Mick Fleetwood, plus exclusive rehearsal footage, and interviews with guest artists. Legendary sound producer Glynn Johns, who produced albums for The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles and Led Zeppelin, will take charge of the audio production.

Peter Green was a founding member of Fleetwood Mac and had a huge impact on the band, as well as being recognised as one of the greatest musicians in the world. Peter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together with Fleetwood Mac in 1998. Rolling Stone magazine rated Peter as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of all time.

On the show coming to cinemas, Mick Fleetwood said:

‘This one of a kind show was no mean feat to put together and the ability to share and relive the event all over again in cinemas is incredible, for us, as artists, as well as our fans.

I’m very happy this performance can now be experienced in a big screen format by audiences far and wide all over the globe.’

‘Mick Fleetwood and Friends Celebrate The Music of Peter Green’ will also be available in a super deluxe box-set, released on 16th October 2020 and available to pre-order now. The super deluxe box-set will include a 4LP deluxe book pack with 2CDs and BluRay.

Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album ‘Then Play On’, will also be released in a special Celebration Edition on 5th June 2020.

Staff at the 400-year-old Oak House Museum, in West Bromwich, in the West Midlands, are planning a 'spooktabulous' Friday 13th evening for visitors with giggles, scares and creepy tales. The 'after dark' event on Friday 13 March comes as staff continue preparations for the Oak Road museum to open fully to the public for a new season in April.

Jane Hanney-Martin, museum services manager, said: "Prepare for a few giggles, scares and a creepy evening as you explore the house and meet characters who lived at Oak House 400 years ago, experience terrible tales and learn about ghostly goings on in the dim candlelight.

"Visitors can explore our dark corners and staff will be on hand to tell some of the ghostly tales attached to the house," added Rebecca Butler, visitor services officer.

The evening is suitable for ages 14+ and starts at 6.30pm. Visitors can drop in any time throughout the event. Gates close at 8pm and the event finishes at 8.30pm.

Councillor Wasim Ali, Cabinet with Member with Responsibility for Museums, said: "Friday 13th promises to be a fantastic, fun event to show people the stories behind Oak House and get everyone in the mood for our museums opening to the public for a new season in just a few weeks' time."

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Music School is joining forces with the 13 other music services in the West Midlands for the largest celebration of young people's music making ever to be held across the region.

In all, the ambitious, month-long celebration - taking place throughout March - will involve more than 140,000 children and young people.

It is the first major project of West Midlands Music, the UK’s largest collective of Music Services, and includes over 130 concerts, gigs, workshops and taster sessions.

Ciaran O'Donnell, Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, said: "The Big Month of Music will not only showcase the musical achievements of children across the entire region but also inspire and encourage them to continue their musical discoveries by signposting them to further opportunities.

"It also provides a snapshot of the work of Wolverhampton Music Service, and other music services across the region, including in school and out of school activity, workshops and taster sessions."

The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, said: “Music is an important part of a young person's education, and Wolverhampton Music Service provides quality teaching for children and young people across the city, including the chance to perform with Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.

"It's great to see so many pupils in Wolverhampton engaging in music week in, week out, and this Big Month of Music is a chance to celebrate their hard work."

Chris Jones, Chair of West Midlands Music, added: "Many thousands of people have learned an instrument, sung in a choir or played in an ensemble thanks to music services over the years. By working together as West Midlands Music, the region’s 14 music services are able to maximise our collective impact, reaching more children and delivering a consistently high quality music education for everyone.

"Big Month of Music is a fantastic first major celebration of that collective impact and of our commitment for the future of the region’s music education.”

Together, the 14 music services in the West Midlands worked with 140,000 children, supported music making in 1,963 schools, loaned 79,789 musical instruments and created 776 events and performances across the region last year.