Ska Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Gwen Stefani has spoken about No Doubt‘s plans after their upcoming reunion shows at Coachella 2024, and whether new music could be on the horizon.The band are due to play their first live gig since 2015 at the California festival this Saturday (April 13). Stefani and co.

This Town – featuring Self Esteem, Olivia Dean and various original songs – has been released.Including classic covers and brand new, original compositions from the hit Steven Knight drama, ‘This Town (Music From The Original BBC Series)’ is out now via Polydor Records. You can stream the LP on all streaming platforms and purchase the vinyl pressing here.The soundtrack for the series brings together the show’s genre-wide mix of timeless anthems, original songs, and iconic hits set in the world of ska and two-tone in the early ’80s.‘This Town (Music From The Original BBC Series)’ features Self Esteem’s reimagining of Jimmy Cliff’s 1970’s track ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ as well as Ray Laurél’s cover of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.It also includes Olivia Dean’s rework of the reggae classic ‘The Harder They Come’ and Celeste’s cover of ‘Blue Moon’.The tracks performed by Fuck The Factory – the band at the heart of This Town – were created by producer Dan Carey (Fontaines D.C, Wet Leg, Been Stellar and founder of the seminal Speedy Wunderground label). Carey also collaborated with singer-songwriter ESKA and musician, novelist and poet Kae Tempest in work that adds another chapter to this vital story.1. Self Esteem: ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’2. Ray Laurél: ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’3. Fuck The Factory: ‘Estella’4. Olivia Dean: ‘The Harder They Come’5. Fuck The Factory: ‘Birdsong’6. Fuck The Factory: ‘Pelicans’7. Celeste: ‘Blue Moon’8. Fuck The Factory: ‘Farewell To Matty And Her Flowers’9. Gregory Porter: ‘The World’s Going Up In Flames’10. Fuck The Factory: ‘This Town’11. Sekou: ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People’“It has been a privilege to be working with Paul Whittington, Steven Knight and the entire

The Specials‘ Lynval Golding delivered a speech about No Doubt backstage at Coachella 2024 ahead of the band’s reunion show at the festival – watch it below.The group played their first live gig since 2015 at the Indio, California event last Saturday (April 13), where they brought out Olivia Rodrigo to perform ‘Bathwater’ alongside frontwoman Gwen Stefani.Prior to the career-spanning, 16-song set, Golding gave an encouraging message to the camera about Stefani and co’s long-awaited return. “I can tell you one thing, right,” the musician began.

No Doubt have brought out Olivia Rodrigo for a rendition of ‘Bathwater’ during the band’s 2024 Coachella reunion set.Taking over the main stage in full effect, Gwen Stefani and co. marked their first live performance in over nine years with their reunion at the annual music and arts festival in California.They kicked things off with their classic hits ‘Hella Good’, ‘Sunday Morning’ ‘Ex-Girlfriend’ and their famous Talk Talk cover of ‘It’s My Life’.

Sublime have performed their 1991 track ‘Romeo’ for the first time in 25 years at this year’s edition of Coachella.The legendary band were initially active between 1988 and 1996, before frontman Bradley Nowell died from a heroin overdose at the age of 28.Today (April 13), the ska punk band took over the main stage at the annual music and arts festival with Nowell’s son Jakob stepping in for his father, performing at the same age his dad was when he passed.Jakob was joined by original Sublime band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson for a sun-soaked set filled with all of the hits.

Self Esteem has dropped the sonic new cover of Jimmy Cliff’s ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’, shared as part of the This Town soundtrack. Check it out below.The song was shared by the Sheffield singer as part of the new BBC series which aired over the Easter weekend, and takes place in the ’80s UK, amid the two-tone ska revival.Originally released back in 1995, the song was first shared by Jimmy Cliff as part of his album ‘Many Rivers To Cross’.“Persecution you must fear/ Win or lose you got to get your share/ You’ve got your mind set on a dream/ You can get it though hard it may seem now,” Self Esteem, real name Rebecca Lucy Taylor sings in the verse, putting a modern, dance spin on the original track.Check out both the original and the new Self Esteem cover below.The first two episodes of This Town aired over Easter weekend, with Self Esteem’s reimagining of ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ being played from the soundtrack, as well as Ray Laurél’s new version of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.The series “celebrates a thrilling evolution of sound, spirit and UK culture” and is set against the melting-pot scene of the Midlands in the 1980s.

Kid Kapichi and Suggs have spoken to NME about their collaboration on the politically-motivated new single ‘Zombie Nation’, memories of late Specials frontman Terry Hall, and the struggles faced by new artists. Watch the music video first on NME below.The track is the latest taster of Kid Kapichi’s new album ‘There Goes The Neighbourhood’ – following on from the previously shared singles ‘Let’s Get To Work’, ‘Tamagotchi’ and ‘999’.

Sublime has suggested that they may record new music after the band resumed operations late last year.The band were initially active between 1988 and 1996, before frontman Bradley Nowell died from a heroin overdose at the age of 28.Sublime reformed in 2009 with Rome Ramirez on vocals and guitar. They initially toured under the Sublime moniker for seven months, before Nowell’s estate threatened to sue surviving members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh for misuse of their trademark, and the band then went by the name Sublime With Rome.Last year, Sublime With Rome announced their breakup upon the news that Sublime reunited to play a set with Nowell’s son Jakob on vocals.

The Specials singer Neville Staple has cancelled all his scheduled live performances due to health reasons.Yesterday (January 18), Staple’s team shared a statement that confirmed he had been diagnosed with a serious heart defect at the beginning of last month.The vocalist has received treatment at three different hospitals, and has been prescribed medication to control his symptoms. He is now in a stable condition, according to the update.“However, specialists have decided that Neville needs to take a complete rest from live performing and touring,” the message continued.

Sublime with Rome have announced that they will part ways at the end of next year.The news of their split comes after the surviving members of Sublime – Eric Wilson (bass) and Bud Gaugh (drums) – reunited to play a set with late singer Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob, last Monday night (December 11).Held at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles, the gig was part of a benefit for Bad Brains frontman H.R.Now, as confirmed in a new press release, frontman Rome Ramirez has announced his upcoming departure from the line-up – effectively bringing an end to the band.“After almost two remarkable decades, I am announcing my departure from Sublime with Rome at the close of 2024,” the statement began (via Consequence). He went on to confirm that the band will perform their previously announced run of tour dates, and following their completion he will have some solo music on the horizon.“The upcoming performances over the next year will allow us to reflect on countless incredible memories together.

Bob Marley: One Love exclusively via NME in these brand new images. The film stars British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae pioneer, and will be out in UK cinemas on February 14, 2024.Also starring James Norton, Lashana Lynch and Tosin Cole, the movie has been produced in partnership with Marley’s family. Orly Marley, daughter-in-law of the legendary singer, is an executive producer, while Marley’s wife, Rita, and his son, Ziggy, are producers alongside Brad Pitt.

Madness have announced a huge run of outdoor UK performances, set to kick off in summer 2024. Find ticket details below.Announced this morning (November 27), the new run of shows will see Suggs and Co.

Madness have shared ‘Baby Burglar’, the second single off their new album ‘Theatre Of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie‘.The ska pop legends’ latest cut follows last month’s ‘C’Est La Vie’. Both songs appear on their 13th album ‘Theatre Of the Absurd…’, which is released on November 17 via BMG.

Operation Ivy‘s Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels came together to perform ‘Take Warning’ at Terry Hall‘s tribute show.The backyard tribute show for The Specials‘ lead vocalist – who passed away last year aged 63 – took place on the night of Saturday, October 14 in Los Angeles. Armstrong and Micheals reunited and were backed by members of The Specials to play ‘Take Warning’ from their 1989 LP ‘Energy’.Other appearances were made by The Specials’ Lynval Golding and Horace Panter, Fishbone, No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young, L7’s Donita Sparks, the Go-Go’s’ Jane Wiedlin, Tom Morello and more.A post shared by @kmoe77A post shared by Johnny Starke (@johnny2tone)Last year, the duo reunited for an event that took place at the Music Rock N’ Roll Carnival in Los Angeles and performed one of Operation Ivy’s signature songs, ‘Sound System’.

Madness have announced details of an intimate homecoming show, set to take place at London’s KOKO venue later this month. Find ticket details below.The news of the special live show is in celebration of the band’s forthcoming new album, ‘Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie’ – their 13th full-length album, set for release on November 17 via BMG.It also marks the first time that the British band have played at the venue since they went by the name ‘The Invaders’, and the Camden live music venue was recognized as ‘The Music Machine’.Set to take place on October 18, the special one-off gig will allow just 1,400 fans the opportunity to catch Suggs and co.

Madness have announced their 13th studio album ‘Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie’ – listen to new song ‘C’Est La Vie’ below.The 14-track record is due for release on November 17 via BMG – pre-order/pre-save it here. Following on from 2016’s ‘Can’t Touch Us Now’, the project marks the North London group’s first full-length effort in seven years.This morning (September 28), Madness premiered the LP’s lead single ‘C’Est La Vie’ on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball.

Madness have announced a new UK arena tour taking place this winter, where they will be joined by special guests The Lightning Seeds.Announced today (April 21), the upcoming tour will kick off in Aberdeen at the end of November and hit arenas across the UK, before closing with a performance in Birmingham.It will feature appearances in cities including Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as a penultimate slot at London’s O2 arena on December 15. Madness will also be joined by special guests, The Lightning Seeds — you can find all scheduled dates below.“WOT-a-tour this promises to be,” the band said, discussing the newly-announced ‘C’est La Vie’ dates.

Rancid, Operation Ivy, Trash Talk and The Bronx have come together to form a new project called Bad Optix – check out their debut single ‘Raid’.The new ska-punk band was formed by Jesse Michaels and Rancid guitarist Tim Armstrong, both of whom performed together previously as part of ’80s band Operation Ivy.Joey Castillo (Circle Jerks, The Bronx) and bassist Spencer Pollard (Trash Talk) are also enlisted to complete the supergroup. Today (March 29) they’ve shared their debut single ‘Raid’.Described as an “anti-authoritarian anthem”, the track hears the band combine influences from ska artists including The Specials and The Beat with elements of punk.“‘Raid’ is about every person’s spiritual autonomy from the powers that be, regardless of who they are or what their particular struggle is,” Michaels said in a statement.

The Interrupters have dropped another taste of their forthcoming album ‘In The Wild’, generating a rumbling and anthemic soundscape in new single ‘Anything Was Better’.In ‘Anything Was Better’, the heavy step of the bass guitar holds up spitting vocals, brash with both disdain and resolution. The song’s narrative is clear, The Interrupters delivering a sense of unity in the boisterous harmony of the chorus.Check out the official lyric video for ‘Anything Was Better’ below:In a press release, lead singer Aimee Interrupter (real name Aimee Allen) spoke of the song’s harrowing origins: “[It’s] the story of my escape from not necessarily a location but from the pain and trauma of my upbringing.

The Interrupters have announced their return and details of their first album in four years.The follow up to 2018’s ‘Fight The Good Fight’ is titled ‘In The Wild’ and it will arrive on August 5 via Hellcat/Epitaph Records.The album has been previewed this week with first single, ‘In The Mirror’, which takes the group back to their ska-punk roots.Speaking about the new track, vocalist Aimee Interrupter said: “I fell into so many self-destructive patterns trying to come to terms with my childhood. I spent so long trying to run from the pain. No matter how far I ran, there I was…I realised I needed to make peace with who I saw in the mirror.”Listen to the new track below. Commenting on the record, the band added: “We are so excited to announce our 4th full-length album ‘In The Wild’.“We put so much love into this album.

Operation Ivy’s Jesse Michales and Tim Armstrong have reunited during a live performance yesterday (February 6).The event took place at the Music Rock N’ Roll Carnival in Los Angeles and saw the two members of Operation Ivy perform one of the bands signature songs, ‘Sound System’. They were backed up by The Interrupters.Armstrong was the festival back-up for The Specials, while Michales was in attendance as an audience member.You can watch the moment below:It comes after Michaels spoke out about the prospect of Operation Ivy reuniting last month, saying that he “wouldn’t object to it”.The Berkeley, California band – whose comprise of singer Michaels, drummer Dave Mello, Rancid‘s Armstrong and Matt ‘McCall’ Freeman – were only active between 1987 and 1989, releasing just the one studio album – 1989’s ‘Energy’ – during their time together.However, Operation Ivy’s music endured since their split, with Green Day regularly covering the band’s track ‘Knowledge’ during their live shows (and often inviting members of the crowd on stage to play the song) and Against Me!‘s Laura Jane Grace launching a petition in 2020 calling for an Operation Ivy reunion at Riot Fest.Speaking on a new episode of The Hard Times Podcast, Michaels was asked about why the members of Operation Ivy hadn’t yet considered the prospect of a reunion.“Well, for a long time we weren’t really talking – it wasn’t because there was bad blood.

The Specials bassist Hor­ace Panter has revealed that the band would love to collaborate and tour with Madness.Panter told the Daily Star newspaper’s ‘Wired’ column (via Music News) that there had previously been talk of the groups doing a co-headline tour or heading into the studio together to record.He said: “Let’s see what we can do. There was talk about a doubleheader, but nor­mally if we are mak­ing a record then they are tak­ing a break, but it would be good to do something with those guys.”The Specials, who formed in 1977, currently comprise of bassist Panter, guitarist Lynval Golding and vocalist Terry Hall.Back in September, The Specials released an album of cover songs titled ‘Protest Songs 1924-2012’.

pic.twitter.com/WOe4XWT18u— The Beat (@TheBeat) October 8, 2021 The Curator of Coventry Music Museum, Pete Chambers BEM, paid tribute to the musician, describing him as the “engine room of the Ska band” to the Coventry Observer.He said: “He was a true gentleman, gently spoken, charming, always supportive and always there for people.“His drumming was incredible gracing top ten charts hits such as ‘Tears of A Clown’, ‘Mirror in The Bathroom’ and ‘Can’t Get used to losing You’ and top ten albums: