Aitch Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Ian Curtis mural in Manchester has been recreated in a new location, following the original being covered up last year.The original portrait of the Manchester music icon was located on the side of a house on Port Street since October 2020, however, outrage was sparked from Joy Division fans last August, when it was replaced with an Amazon Music advert, promoting Aitch’s debut ‘Close To Home’.Now, after promising fans that the mural would be arriving back in the city, a replacement has popped up in a new location. It comes after councillors granted listed building consent for the new artwork to be located on the side of a pub close to Piccadilly Railway Station.The new mural has been created by an artist named Akse P19, who added the finishing touches to the piece over the weekend.

BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend 2024, with RAYE, Charli XCX and The Last Dinner Party leading the way.This year’s edition of the festival is set to run between Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26, and will be held at Stockwood Park in Luton.Yesterday (March 18), the first run of artists, set to perform on the opening night, was revealed, and now organisers have also shared those lined up for the Saturday slots.RAYE has been announced as headlining the Main Stage on the night – following on from her record-breaking number of wins at the BRITs earlier this month – while pop icon Charli XCX will be headlining the New Music Stage. The slot comes ahead of her announcing details of her new album ‘Brat’, and dropping the huge lead single ‘Von Dutch’.Others set to perform on the Main Stage on Saturday include Aitch, Griff, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Mabel and Joel Corry, while BRIT Rising Star winners and former NME cover stars The Last Dinner Party will be performing at the New Music Stage.Both The Last Dinner Party and Charli XCX will be joined by Alfie Templeman, Caity Baser, Cat Burns, Dylan, Tems and Shygirl,Saturday at #BigWeekend Luton is gonna be veRAYE special ♥️For more details and info on tickets, visit https://t.co/BGPOsfilea pic.twitter.com/OB6xc2VFAC— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) March 19, 2024Tickets, priced at £29.50 (plus a £4.50 booking fee per ticket), will go on sale at 5pm GMT on Thursday (March 21) and can be purchased here.

The Last Dinner Party, Sleaford Mods and Keane are set to perform at this year’s BRITs Week in aid of War Child.The event, which has been running since 2009, will see artists perform one-off gigs in intimate surroundings. Since its inception, the event has raised £7million for War Child, to help children whose lives have been devastated by war.BRITs Week for War Child will take place in the weeks around The BRIT Awards 2024 on March 2, with artists playing in venues across the capital and beyond.

Aitch has spoken to NME about his upcoming ‘Lost Files’ EP, dreams of working with Liam Gallagher and how 50 Cent inspired him to become a rapper.Last week (November 9), the rapper performed a one-off, intimate live performance at Lafayette in London, hosted by YouTube. The small 600-capacity venue was a stark difference from his last show in the capital, performing at the massive London Stadium back in September at the halftime performance for 2023 Sidemen charity football match.“We can always do a big show and sell out arenas and that, but sometimes, it’s nice to do something a bit more intimate, something a bit that doesn’t necessarily feel like a big performance show,” he told NME.

Aitch has today (November 3) shared his new single ‘Landslide’ featuring Nafe Smallz – check it out below.Produced by WhyJay and LiTek, the new track “combines rolling bass lines with Aitch’s witty lyrical prowess and Nafe’s smooth vocal hook,” according to a press release.The musician — whose real name is Harrison James Armstrong – can be seen partying in the song’s accompanying video with Nafe Smallz. A press release added the track was “an exciting teaser of what’s to come from Manchester’s finest,” suggesting more new music is on the way soon.Check out the track and the new video here: Back in summer, Aitch made news with his performance at Glastonbury following his 21-track setlist that included ‘Safe To Say’, ‘Louis Vuitton’ and ‘Raw’.

Joy Division‘s Ian Curtis is set to return to Manchester one year after it was painted over with an ad for Aitch‘s debut album.In August 2022, the landmark painting of the Manchester legend – located on the side of a house on Port Street in the city’s Northern Quarter from October 2020 – was covered to make space to advertise Aitch’s debut ‘Close To Home’.The Manchester rapper quickly promised that he and his team would make things right after learning of the situation.It’s come to light that the iconic Ian Curtis mural on Port Street has been painted over with my album artwork. This is the first time I’ve heard of this, me and my team are getting this fixed pronto.

TRNSMT is just around the corner with stormy weather being predicted to approach the festival grounds. Check out the final forecast below.This year’s festival, which is held in Glasgow’s east end at Glasgow Green, will see acts including Pulp, Sam Fender, The 1975, Niall Horan, George Ezra, Becky Hill and Kasabian take to the main stage as the festival’s headliners.Those attending TRNSMT 2023 (July 7-9) might want to ensure that their trusted pair of wellies are on, along with a poncho, because rain and stormy weather is set to make its way to the festival site all weekend long.See the latest forecast according to BBC Weather below.Friday, July 7: Light rain until about midday with a moderate breeze followed by partly cloudy conditions from 1pm until 6pm when the sun is predicted to be out.

Aitch leaked the new Manchester United shirt yesterday (June 24), during his Glastonbury 2023 set.The Mancunian rapper took to the iconic Pyramid stage on Saturday afternoon, and performed an hour-long set, which included fan favourites including ‘Bamba’, ‘My G’ and ‘Baby’. It was another part of his Glastonbury set, however, that took the spotlight, as the artist arrived onstage, wearing the new Manchester United shirt.Not yet shared by the team, the Glasto slot saw the rapper leak the new home shirt for the 2023-24 season, four days before it was set to be revealed.The shirt was a classic crimson red, with a pattern of the Lancashire roses sprawling across it.

Coldplay were joined onstage by Aitch at their show at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium last night (June 1) — check out footage and the full setlist below.The show marked the second of a four-night residency at the stadium, and saw the band surprise fans with a guest appearance from Brit Award-winning musician and Manchester rap royalty, Aitch.The musician — whose real name is Harrison James Armstrong — joined Chris Martin and co. in his hometown towards the end of the band’s 23-song setlist, and performed two of his hit tracks shortly before the encore.Joining the band after their performance of 2014 classic track ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’, the 23-year-old took to the stage at the stadium to play ‘1989’ and ‘Buss Down’ — taken from 2022’s ‘Close To Home’ and 2019’s EP ‘AitcH2O’.Here, Martin duetted on both tracks, with ‘1989’ particularly resonating with the crowd as it sees Aitch rapping over a sample of ‘Fools Gold’, written by Manchester’s own Stone Roses.

Aitch completed a 15,000 foot skydive yesterday (April 22) to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day and Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week.He was joined by his dad and his manager for the jump, which had been postponed from March 25 due to bad weather.The rapper became an ambassador for the Down’s Syndrome Association last year after making a generous donation from the budget of his music video for his Ed Sheeran collaboration ‘My G’. The song was dedicated to his 13-year-old sister Gracie, affectionately known as ‘G’, who has Down’s syndrome.Speaking to BBC Newsbeat afterwards, he said that the dive was “a million times worth it” and he enjoyed it so much that he wanted to “shoot a video in the air”.“I think it’s important just because even when my sister was born, I didn’t even know what Down’s syndrome was if I’m honest with you,” he explained when asked why raising awareness of the condition was important to him.

Aitch has discussed his plans for new music, revealing that “there’s definitely going to be a lot of music” this year. Watch our video interview with the rapper above.Aitch’s debut album ‘Close To Home’ was released last month. Speaking to NME on the red carpet of The BRIT Awards 2023 – where he picked up the award for Hip-Hop, Grime And Rap Act – he told us that fans could expect more new music soon.“I’ve been in the studio a couple of times since the album, but I have literally been touring since my album dropped,” he told NME.

Aitch has opened up about the recent row over an advert for his new album, which was painted over an Ian Curtis mural in Manchester.Last week, an advertisement for the rapper’s ‘Close To Home’ was placed over a much-loved mural of the late Joy Division frontman in the city’s Northern Quarter.The mural, based on a photo of Curtis that was taken by Philippe Carly, was painted by Manchester street artist Akse P19. It debuted in 2020 in collaboration with the music and mental health festival Headstock to raise awareness around mental health issues, and was supported by Manchester Council.In a tweet last week, Aitch said: “It’s come to light that the iconic Ian Curtis mural on Port Street has been painted over with my album artwork.

Peter Hook has said there should be a permanent memorial to Ian Curtis in Manchester following the removal of a mural to the late Joy Division musician.Earlier this week, a advertisement for Manchester rapper Aitch was placed over a much loved mural of Curtis in the city’s Northern Quarter. Aitch said he would “fix” the issue saying he had no idea that the advertisement was being placed over the mural.The mural, based on a photo of Curtis taken by Philippe Carly, was painted by Manchester street artist Akse P19.

Aitch has promised that he and his team are attempting to make things right after a mural of late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, which had been a fan-favourite landmark in his hometown of Manchester, was painted over with an advertisement for Aitch’s forthcoming debut album.Late on Tuesday (August 16), the rapper retweeted an image of the mural – located on Port Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter – being painted over, saying he had been previously unaware of his album ad being put there. “I don’t just choose locations for billboards, this is the first time I’ve seen it myself.

Aitch and Bakar have shared an energetic video for their recent collaborative single ‘In Disguise’ – check it out below.The summer hit was released last month, and will appear on Aitch’s forthcoming debut album ‘Close To Home’, due out on August 19.The new video sees the pair performing the track live together as a camera swirls around them.Check out the new ‘In Disguise’ video below.Aitch will head out on a UK and Ireland tour in October in support of ‘Close To Home’, which will be released on August 19 via Capitol.Due to kick off in Dublin on October 3, the ‘Close To Home’ tour will then visit cities including Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and London.Tickets for the ‘Close To Home’ tour are on sale now from here, and you can see his upcoming tour dates below.OCTOBER 20223 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin6 – O2 Academy, Glasgow8 – O2 Academy, Leeds9 – O2 City Hall, Newcastle11 – O2 Academy 1, Liverpool12 – O2 Academy 1, Sheffield14 – Rock City, Nottingham16 – O2 Academy 1, Leicester17 – O2 Academy, Birmingham19 – The Great Hall, Cardiff20 – O2 Academy 1, Bournemouth21 – O2 Academy 1, Bristol22 – Alexandra Palace, London24 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, ManchesterEarlier this month, Aitch launched a new scheme in a bid to help young music fans travel to and from festivals and other live events this summer.The Manchester rapper has teamed up with Relentless Energy to set up ‘Aitch-S2’, which offers “free travel to under 25s, so they can attend festivals, concerts, cultural events, all of that.

Travis Barker and Aitch are among a host of artists set to launch new NFTs with LimeWire as the file sharing site relaunches as a crypto marketplace.Over the coming weeks, they will launch new collectibles on the marketplace alongside the likes of Brandy, Nicky Jam and more.“I have always been interested in Web3 and NFTs so I am pretty stoked to release my first NFT collection and to do it on LimeWire,” Barker said in a statement.“I hope that my NFT collection will inspire aspiring artists and fans who want to learn about my creative journey and how I make music. LimeWire has created a platform that makes exciting content like this accessible to all of my fans – even ones who are unfamiliar with Web3.”The Blink-182 drummer’s collection, his first ever NFTs, will feature “behind-the-scenes footage of himself working in the studio, allowing the NFT collectors to have a first-hand look at his creative process.

Aitch has launched a new scheme in a bid to help young music fans travel to and from festivals and other live events this summer.The Manchester rapper has teamed up with Relentless Energy to set up ‘Aitch-S2’, which offers “free travel to under 25s, so they can attend festivals, concerts, cultural events, all of that. We’ve got you covered this summer!”Set to run from today (July 5) until August 26, the scheme will give people aged between 18 and 25 the chance to win vouchers worth either £25, £50 or £100 to use on any train on the LNER rail service, per the FAQs.They can be used across National Rail but not on the London Underground network.Those eligible to enter can do so here, with vouchers set to be drawn at random.

Aitch and Bakar have shared their new collaborative single, ‘In Disguise’ – you can listen to the track below.The Manchester rapper and the London-based singer/songwriter have teamed up for the song, which will feature on the former’s forthcoming debut album ‘Close To Home’.‘In Disguise’ follows on from Aitch’s previous album previews ‘1989’ (which samples The Stones Roses’ ‘Fools Gold’) and the Ashanti-featuring ‘Baby’.You can listen to Aitch and Bakar’s ‘In Disguise’ below.Aitch will head out on a UK and Ireland tour in October in support of ‘Close To Home’, which will be released on August 19 via Capitol.Due to kick off in Dublin on October 3, the ‘Close To Home’ tour will then visit cities including Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and London.Tickets for the ‘Close To Home’ tour are on sale now from here, and you can see Aitch’s upcoming tour dates below.October3 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin6 – O2 Academy, Glasgow8 – O2 Academy, Leeds9 – O2 City Hall, Newcastle11 – O2 Academy 1, Liverpool12 – O2 Academy 1, Sheffield14 – Rock City, Nottingham16 – O2 Academy 1, Leicester17 – O2 Academy, Birmingham19 – The Great Hall, Cardiff20 – O2 Academy 1, Bournemouth21 – O2 Academy 1, Bristol22 – Alexandra Palace, London24 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, ManchesterAitch, who will also host a pool party at this year’s Ibiza Rocks in August, said in a recent interview that Shaun Ryder agreed to come to the studio to work on his new album in exchange for “four cans of Guinness”.According to The Face, the Happy Mondays vocalist can be heard on the record saying: “I’ve [had] loads of nights out involving drugs, sex, fucking – you name it.

Aitch has announced a pool party that will take place at this year’s Ibiza Rocks.The Manchester rapper will hold the party, deemed ‘Aitch20’, on August 9 from 2-10pm.You can see the full details of the event, and view ticket packages, here:A post shared by Ibiza Rocks (@ibizarocks)Last month, Aitch shared his latest single ‘1989’, featuring Shaun Ryder.The track sees Aitch rapping over a sample of The Stone Roses‘ ‘Fools Gold’.It is taken from Aitch’s forthcoming debut album ‘Close To Home’, which will be released on August 19 via Capitol. The record has been described as “a love letter to the city which shaped him”.Speaking to NME earlier this year, Aitch said he was “a proud Mancunian” and that his upcoming album will be “100,000 per cent a proper Manchester album,” that leans into the city’s proud musical heritage.Meanwhile, he recently said that he would pay £7million to Liam Gallagher if he would feature on his next album.Aitch also reiterated his plans to NME on the red carpet of the BRIT Awards 2022, where he told us of his plans to meet Gallagher at the ceremony and talk him into a collaboration.Asked how he’d go about starting up a conversation with the former Oasis frontman, the 22-year-old replied: “I’ll just say, ‘Why are [you] not on my album yet?’ See how it goes from there.”Speaking to NME recently, Gallagher responded saying that he won’t be appearing on his album, adding: “He ain’t got seven million fucking quid – he ain’t got fucking seven fucking quid, never mind fucking seven million.”He continued: “Listen, I don’t do that – that’s not for me, man.

Aitch has announced details of his ‘Close To Home’ UK and Ireland tour – find out how to get tickets below.The 14-date tour will come in support of his newly announced debut album ‘Close To Home’, which is set for release on August 19 via Capitol.Due to kick off in Dublin on October 3, the ‘Close To Home’ tour will then visit cities including Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and London.Aitch’s tour concludes on October 24 with a special show at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in his native Manchester.Tickets go on sale on June 1 at 9am, and you’ll be able to buy them here.See the dates of Aitch’s ‘Close To Home’ UK and Ireland tour below:OCTOBER03 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin06 – O2 Academy, Glasgow08 – O2 Academy, Leeds09 – O2 City Hall, Newcastle11 – O2 Academy 1, Liverpool12 – O2 Academy 1, Sheffield14 – Rock City, Nottingham16 – O2 Academy 1, Leicester17 – O2 Academy, Birmingham19 – The Great Hall, Cardiff20 – O2 Academy 1, Bournemouth21 – O2 Academy 1, Bristol22 – Alexandra Palace, London24 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, ManchesterLast week Aitch released his single ‘1989’, which samples The Stone Roses’ ‘Fools Gold’.Speaking in a recent interview with The Face, Aitch claimed that Shaun Ryder agreed to come to the studio to work on his new album in exchange for “four cans of Guinness”.According to the publication, the Happy Mondays vocalist can be heard on the album saying: “I’ve [had] loads of nights out involving drugs, sex, fucking – you name it.

Aitch has shared his new single ‘1989’, featuring Shaun Ryder.The track, which you can listen to below, sees Aitch rapping over a sample of The Stone Roses‘ ‘Fools Gold’.Speaking about the song recently, the rapper said the Happy Mondays frontman agreed to do the track for “four cans of Guinness”.Ryder ‘croaks’ on the intro to the single: “I’ve [had] loads of nights out involving drugs, sex, fucking – you name it. But the great thing is I can never remember it.”It is taken from Aitch’s forthcoming debut album ‘Close To Home’, which will be released on August 19 via Capitol.

Aitch has announced details of his debut album ‘Close To Home’ and confirmed that he will release his latest single ‘1989’ tomorrow (May 20).The Manchester rapper previously told NME that his first LP will “100,000 per cent be a proper Manchester album”, and spoke of his desire to get Liam Gallagher to guest on the record.‘Close To Home’ will now be released on August 19 via Capitol, and the record has been described as “a love letter to the city which shaped him”.A tracklist has yet to be confirmed, though a press release promises that the album will “reveal a well of hidden depths to surprise, delight and charm”.You can see the official album artwork for Aitch’s ‘Close To Home’ above.The rapper will preview his new album tomorrow with the single ‘1989’, which samples The Stone Roses’ single ‘Fools Gold’. A video, directed by Kelvin Jones and shot in Manchester, will also arrive tomorrow.Back in March Aitch released his single ‘Baby’, which was produced by Fred Again..

Aitch and Giggs have teamed up on a slick new single, ‘Just Coz’, taking to London streets in an official music video.Produced by WhyJay and LiTek, ‘Just Coz’ sees BRIT nominee Aitch and Peckham rap heavyweight Giggs “do something a bit rowdier’.In a press statement, Aitch said of the collaboration: “It was natural, I got in the booth and I said what I had to say. Giggs got in the booth and said what he had to say.

ArrDee has explained how his much-talked about collaboration with Aitch came about – watch below.In a new interview with NME, the rapper talked through each song on his new mixtape ‘Pier Pressure’, also discussing working with Aitch and Lola Young on the release.Speaking of recently released single ‘War’, ArrDee said: “Me and Aitch decided to link up and work on ‘War’. Not sparing a moment but a couple days before we ended up in the booth, he had obviously been in LA and Toronto and whatnot and come back.“We’d always spoken and got along from the get go, from the jump.

Aitch has shared a brand new single – watch the video for ‘Baby’ below.The track, produced by Fred Again…, is the Manchester rapper’s first solo single of the year and the latest preview of his forthcoming debut album.‘Baby’ samples Ashanti‘s ‘Rock Wit U (Aww Baby)’, with Aitch adding a contemporary rap feel to the R&B classic.The accompanying video, directed by Zain Alexander Shammas, sees the rapper in Malibu, going through the highs and lows of a relationship. The sun-tinged video features VHS clips of intimate moments, plus a cameo from the rapper’s current girlfriend, Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg.Aitch, who presented the award for Best Solo Act In The World with Big Zuu to Burna Boy at the BandLab NME Awards 2022 spoke to NME on the red carpet about the single.“I think everyone’s gonna love it,” he said of the track.

BandLab NME Awards 2022 last night, it seems as if Aitch and Big Zuu have become good friends. Watch the video interview of their blossoming romance above.The Manchester rapper and the London chef-meets-rapper came down to the O2 Academy Brixton where they presented the award for Best Solo Act In The World – which went to Burna Boy.While attempting to steal one of our iconic middle-finger awards, the pair then headed up to the winners’ room where we asked them if they would ever collaborate together.“Aitch’s feature price is too high!” joked Zuu, before Aitch responded: “I would never even charge Big Zuu one penny.”Would Aitch appear on Big Zuu’s Big Eats cookery show?“One million per cent,” he replied. “I’m waiting for the call.

Aitch has said that he’s still yet to meet Liam Gallagher after previously voicing his desire to work with the former Oasis frontman.The Manchester rapper told NME at last month’s BRIT Awards that he wanted to ask Gallagher “why are you not on my album yet?” and that he’d “see how it goes from there”.Asked by NME subsequently about the possibility of working with Aitch, Gallagher responded: “He seems like a nice lad, but I don’t wanna be on anyone’s album.”Speaking last night (March 2) on the red carpet at the BandLab NME Awards 2022 at the O2 Academy Brixton in London, Aitch revealed that he’s still yet to meet the singer.“No, I didn’t see him [at the BRITs],” he said. “I’m still working on it, I missed him [at the BRITs].

ArrDee and Aitch have linked up on a brand new single – you can check out the video for ‘War’ below.The much-talked about collaboration between the UK rap wonder kids sees them trade slick verses over a high-energy drill instrumental produced by LiTek and WhYJay.“See, I remember this time, I was flat on my arse/ Mum lost the yard and I’m tryna graft/ Studio was my time apart/ I’d go bake off back at Muli’s yard/ Schemin’ how we’d get our mulas up/ Stupidness for a few quid more/ Thank God everyday that music bussed,” Arrdee raps in his opening verse, recalling tougher times.When it’s time for Aitch to get his bars off, he puts his foot down and goes into full-blown bragging mode: “Yo, alright, I got sixteen, fifteen left/ Armz Korleone when I lift these reps/ Hard to moan when you live this blessed/ Bro don’t park the chrome, he just rips and press/ Swipe and go, I spend quids on creps/ Multiply my dough when I flip this cheque.”The track comes alongside a video directed by Gabriella Kingsley, which sees the two rappers face off with rivals battalions – complete with tank-like 4x4s, balaclava-clad horsemen and footsoldiers dressed in black – on a beach in ArrDee’s native Brighton.You can watch the video below: Aitch was among the names recently announced to be performing at this year’s Longitude Festival.The Manchester rapper will be joined by the likes of Dave, Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, A$AP Rocky, The Kid Laroi, Jack Harlow and more.In a recent cover story for NME, Aitch spoke about his roots and his love for his hometown. “I’m a proud Mancunian, 100 per cent,” he said.

Aitch has said that he would pay Liam Gallagher £7million to feature on his album.The rapper made the statement on Twitter, where we wrote: “I will pay £7 Million for you to be on my album @liamgallagher”. Gallagher is yet to respond but others have replied, with one person writing: “I will pay you £6 to quit music.” Aitch appears to have taken it in his stride though, replying “I’ll send you my bank details now.”Aitch has previously been open about his desire to collaborate with Gallagher.

Pa Salieu has shared a new track called ‘Bad’ featuring Aitch – you can listen to it below.The British-Gambian rapper’s new collaboration – produced by Two Inch Punch & WhyJay – premiered on BBC Radio 1 this evening (October 14) as Clara Amfo’s Hottest Record In The World.It comes with an accompanying KC Locke-directed official video, which features both Salieu and Aitch.

Aitch has shared a new spoken word piece which hears him describe what it means to be an England football fan ahead of today’s Euro 2020 final.England take on Italy in the last match of the tournament tonight (July 11), which will be held at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Aitch has shared a brand new single – watch the video for ‘Learning Curve’ below.The track is the latest preview of the Manchester-based rapper’s forthcoming debut album, which he’s currently working on.‘Learning Curve’ is packed full of party-starting melodies, with a statement describing it as a song that “captures the mood of a generation desperate to make up for the lost summer of 2020.”The new video attracted a lot of attention prior to its release, with the Manchester rapper hitting out at

Aitch has opened up on how his debut album will reflect the sounds of his native Manchester, as well as the city’s burgeoning rap scene.While he’s yet to announce a debut album, Armstrong has said the record will be “100,000 per cent a proper Manchester album” and reflect the city’s rich musical history.“I’m a proud Mancunian, 100 per cent,” he told NME. “It always feels good to be in my hometown.