Pest Control pull out of Download 2024 over Barclays sponsorship: “We cannot sacrifice the principles held by this band”

The Last Dinner Party have spoken out about the General Election, which is scheduled to take place next Thursday (July 4) while at Glastonbury.Taking to the Other Stage this afternoon (June 29) at Worthy Farm, lead vocalist Abigail Morris introduced hit single ‘Nothing Matters’ with a short speech, asking voters to “protect each other and just having some fucking empathy.”She began: “I just want to take a minute [to speak] because of how many people are here watching, and on television too. I think we all know who we are voting for, but it doesn’t end with the Tories being kicked out,” she said.

John Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Making further inroads into markets in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, Studiocanal, one of Europe’s top production-distribution-international sales powerhouses, has clinched further sales on premium daily drama “The Vow” (“La Promesa”), closing Poland and two Baltic States, as well as France. Produced by Spain’s Bambú Producciones (“Velvet,” “Cable Girls”), a Studiocanal company, Studiocanal and national Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, “The Vow” has been acquired by Polish pubcaster TVP Poland, state-backed network ERR Estonia and state-owned LTV Latvia. In additional new sales, Dubai TV has closed rights to MENA territories.

EXCLUSIVE: Synchronicity Films is adapting Hanif Kureishi’s The Body as a series with the novelist and screenwriter on board as an exec producer and Emmy-nominated director Paul McGuigan attached. There are scripts from crime writer Robert Murphy and the producers will relocate the action from the UK to the U.S. for the series.

Dua Lipa is speaking out about her support for the Palestinians in Gaza.

Tom Morello and Nandi Bushell have covered John Lennon‘s ‘Power To The People’ at Download Festival – watch footage of the performance below.This past weekend, while performing at Download 2024, the guitarist – who has also been a part of Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Prophets of Rage and more – brought out teenage drum prodigy Nandi Bushell as a special guest.Bushell’s appearance came at the tail-end of Morello’s set, which had included songs like ‘Like A Stone’, a Rage Against The Machine medley and ‘Killing In The Name’. During the cover of ‘Power To The People’, the band stepped aside as they let Bushell go wild on the drums for a quick solo.Watch footage of Tom Morello and Nandi Bushell covering John Lennon’s ‘Power To The People’ below.The choice to cover ‘Power To The People’ is especially poignant after it was revealed that Barclays Bank had officially withdrawn from sponsoring the festival (along with Latitude and Isle Of Wight) after several artists had dropped out of the showcase in protest.After the news of Barclays’ withdrawal, Morello took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that he had been working behind the scenes to force the bank’s withdrawal: “A bank funding war crimes has no place at music festivals.

EXCLUSIVE: Israeli romcom drama series The Baker and the Beauty is being remade for France’s TF1, with French singer-songwriter Amir Haddad playing the lead in his debut TV role.

Surrendering to pressure from several music acts and an ad-hoc movement, Barclays has suspended its sponsorship of all 2024 music festivals organized by Live Nation in the UK.

Barclays bank customers are being encouraged to switch their accounts following a series of protests by pro-Palestine group, Palestine Action.

Bambie Thug has dedicated a performance of The Cranberries’ ‘Zombie’ at Download Festival to the people of Palestine.The artist, who memorably represented Ireland at this year’s Eurovision, played the Apex Stage at the Donington festival yesterday (June 14) and took the time to highlight the cause that is close to their heart.After singing the track ‘Trash’ from inside a wheelie bin, Bambie said, “You know what else is trash? Governments that allow genocides to happen. Our voices are more important than ever.”They then played a cover of ‘Zombie’, a song about the innocent victims of political violence, before rounding off the song with a cry of “Free Palestine”.Bambie had previously shared a recorded version of the cover earlier this year, which you can listen to below.The musician spoke to NME in May about playing the main stage of Download Festival this weekend, calling it “mental”.“I can’t wait,” they told NME. “After Eurovision I was like, ‘I’m going to be so bored’.

Barclays on Friday suspended its sponsorship of all Live Nation music festivals in 2024 after various acts dropped out in protest over the bank’s links to defense companies that work with Israel.The suspension includes upcoming Live Nation festivals across the UK this summer, including Latitude, Download and the Isle of Wight.“The protesters’ agenda is to have Barclays debank defense companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe,” the bank’s spokesperson told Reuters.The suspension comes after several artists, including country singer CMAT, metal band Ithaca and comedian Joanne McNally, pulled out of the events.Last month, Barclay’s annual shareholders’ meeting was disrupted by activists protesting against its alleged indirect links to violence in Gaza.

Enter Shikari have spoken out after Barclays Bank withdrew from sponsoring Download, Latitude and Isle Of Wight festivals following an artist boycott.A number of bands had dropped out of the Donington Park festival in protest at their commercial partnership with Barclays, including Pest Control, Scowl, Speed and Zulu.Pest Control wrote that they “would not take part in an event whose sponsor profits from facilitating a genocide”, while Scowl added they were boycotting due to “Barclays Bank sponsorship of the event and Barclays’ connection to Israel and the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine.”And now, it appears that Barclays have withdrawn their sponsorship of Download, Latitude and Isle of Wight Festivals, with the bank no longer being listed on their official websites.In a response shared with NME, Latitude confirmed the news, saying: “Following discussion with artists, we have agreed with Barclays that they will step back from sponsorship of Latitude Festival.”NME have also contacted Download Festival for comment.Enter Shikari, who are set to play the main stage at Download this weekend, have responded to the news with a lengthy social media post, which read: “There has been mounting pressure for bands to drop out of Download festival due to the involvement of Barclays Bank.”A post shared by enter: shikari (@entershikari)“We have been in talks with Download themselves, expressing our serious objection at Barclays involvement. We have considered all options, and along with other artists have been working tirelessly on this.”“We don’t believe in rushed reactions and always want the best outcome for all involved.

Lankum have said they have signed a letter asking Latitude to drop Barclays as a sponsor amid the current boycott of the bank over its ties to companies who are supplying weapons and military technology to Israel.Numerous acts have already pulled out of the Henham Park festival over its sponsorship by Barclays, including CMAT, Pillow Queens, Mui Zyu and Georgia Ruth. Comedians Joanne McNally and Alexandra Haddow have also dropped out.Now, Lankum have lent their voices to the conversation by revealing that they have signed a letter to Latitude over the issue, suggesting that the festival itself will be subject to acts taking a collective stand.“In relation to the Barclays sponsorship of Latitude Festival, we have signed a letter asking the festival to drop the bank due to their links with weapons firms involved in the genocide in Palestine,” they wrote in a statement.“We have also been working behind the scenes with a number of the acts scheduled to play at the festival as we firmly believe that collective action is the most effective action.“Hopefully we will have more news on this soon.”“Love and solidarity, Cormac, Daragh, Ian and Radie.”In relation to the Barclays sponsorship of Latitude Festival, we have signed a letter asking the festival to drop the bank due to their links with weapons firms involved in the genocide in Palestine.We have also been working behind the scenes with a number of the acts… pic.twitter.com/DIGdmhDxIp— LANKUM (@LankumDublin) June 12, 2024The announcement of artists pulling out of Latitude comes shortly after the major boycott of The Great Escape in Brighton last month, also due to its ties with Barclays.

Apple TV+ series for Season 4, Variety reported on Monday. While Margulies, 58, made controversial comments last year about the Israel-Hamas war, sources said that the decision over her exit “was made before the controversy.”The Emmy winner reportedly turned down appearing in one episode of Season 4, although she’s “been asked” about coming back for a potential fifth season.The Post has reached out to Margulies’ rep for comment.Margulies joined “The Morning Show” in Season 2 as news anchor Laura Peterson. Laura becomes the on-again, off-again love interest of Reese Witherspoon’s Bradley Jackson.

Download 2024 yesterday (June 10) over its partnership with Barclays Bank – which has ties to Israel – have announced a show together in Birmingham to raise money for Palestine.Pest Control were the first band to pull out of the Donington Park festival, saying that they would not “take part in an event whose sponsor profits from facilitating a genocide.” Later on, Scowl, Speed and Zulu all followed suit, with Scowl revealing that Pest Control had alerted them to the issue.This Friday! A benefit for Palestine

Latitude 2024 due to the festival’s sponsorship with Barclays and its ties to Israel.They are the two leading names when it comes to the comedians who are boycotting this year’s edition of the event, and follow numerous musical acts who are refusing to perform while it is still sponsored by the bank.Joanne McNally announced her withdrawal from the festival last week, when she shared an update online. She was set to close the comedy tent at Latitude 2024, which will be held at Henham Park in Suffolk between July 25 and 28.“I’m getting messages today about me performing at Latitude when it’s being sponsored by Barclays,” she began on Instagram (via Goss.ie).

Julianna Margulies will not be back for the upcoming fourth season of The Morning Show.

Scowl, Speed and Zulu have become the latest bands to pull out of Download 2024 over its partnership with Barclays and the bank’s ties to Israel.The news follows a similar move from Leeds hardcore band Pest Control who announced they would be pulling out earlier today (June 10), saying that they would not “take part in an event whose sponsor profits from facilitating a genocide.”In a statement posted to their social media, Scowl wrote: “We will not be playing Download fest this year due to Barclays Bank sponsorship of the event and Barclays’ connection to Israel and the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine.“Free Palestine!”They directed fans to the Bands Boycott Barclays campaign for more information and thanked Pest Control “for bringing this to our attention”.Meanwhile, Speed wrote on their social media accounts: “SPEED will no longer be playing Download Festival this Friday June 14 due to the recent news of Barclays Banks sponsorship of the event and their involvement in the war in Gaza.”Zulu announced they would be dropping out shortly after. In their statement, they said: “We will not be playing Download Festival as we just got word about Barclays Bank and their sponsorship of the fest.

Kneecap have discussed their reasons for not participating in the boycott of The Great Escape last month.Over 100 artists pulled out of the Brighton festival over its sponsorship by Barclays, which has been accused of financial ties to companies arming Israel. However, the bank claims it is “trading in shares of listed companies in response to client instruction or demand”.The Irish rap trio’s decision was caused some controversy online given that they have always taken a stand against what they call Israel’s “occupation and genocide” of Gaza.They helped to raise nearly £100,000 for a volunteer gym in the Aida Refugee Camp in Palestine and spoken publicly about it via social media and a message shared after a high-profile appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. They have also made headlines for ignoring Irish public broadcaster RTÉ’s requests to not wear pro-Palestine badges.Kneecap did participate in the boycott of SXSW (after the UK government withdrew arts funding to get them to get there; resulting in a legal battle) after discovering the US military was supporting the festival.

Eurovision following the controversial disqualification of Joost Klein in last month’s contest, their state broadcaster has said.Klein – who was set to represent the Netherlands with his song ‘Europapa’ – was disqualified from the contest in Malmö, Sweden just hours before Saturday’s finale (May 11). At the time, police stated that the decision was made after he was accused of making verbal threats towards a female member of the production crew.The incident marked the first time that an act had been disqualified after reaching the Grand Final in the competition’s 68-year history and, before his disqualification, the 26-year-old singer was named as one of the favourites to win.Jimmy Modin, a spokesperson for the police, spoke to The Guardian about the incident and revealed that it was looking likely that Klein will face legal action.

The Eurovision Song Contest could be set for a shake-up as an "independent expert" is being brought in to review the event after a year filled with drama and disputes.The most recent contest was overshadowed by the disqualification of the Dutch act, Joost Klein, following allegations he made verbal threats to a female staff member, alongside the contentious inclusion of Israeli singer Eden Golan amidst escalating tensions in Gaza. Israel's broadcaster later expressed that their team experienced "an unprecedented display of hatred" from fellow competitors and nations during the event.