John Earls

1 week ago | classicpopmag.com | John Earls

Neighbourhood Weekender, Victoria Park, Warrington, 24-25 May 2025★★★★☆Although specialising in showcasing new talent, this year’s Neighbourhood Weekender was headlined by two veteran bands offering masterclasses in how to top the bill at a festival entirely on their own terms. Although specialising in showcasing new talent, this year’s Neighbourhood Weekender was headlined by two veteran bands offering masterclasses in how to top the bill at a festival entirely on their own terms.

3 weeks ago | classicpopmag.com | John Earls

Having evolved from the sloganeering provocateurs of their early years into spokesmen for reasoned debate, Manic Street Preachers’ new album Critical Thinking sees the trio yearn for nuance. James Dean Bradfield tells us why social media is the cause of his only conspiracy theory – while revisiting his own favourites of pop’s greatest decade. Going back to his South Wales childhood home in Blackwood recently, James Dean Bradfield helped his father clear out the family’s attic.

1 month ago | classicpopmag.com | John Earls

Despite a late-career flourish with Saucerful Of Secrets, a smash hit podcast and establishing himself as a solo artist, Gary Kemp wasn’t in a good place when he began his latest album, This Destination. He tells Classic Pop how he arrived at a new destination with help from Richard Hawley – but he also reveals why Spandau Ballet’s unresolved tensions still need addressing. Shortly after finishing his previous album INSOLO in 2021, Gary Kemp had lunch with Pete Townshend.

1 month ago | express.co.uk | John Earls

Amy Winehouse performs at Shepherd's Bush Empire in May 2007 (Image: Redferns)As one of the most gifted singers of her generation, Amy Winehouse sold millions of albums and captivated audiences with a powerful voice that belied her tiny 5ft 3ins frame. Yet Amy’s many troubles included doubting her immense talents. And on the night before she died in 2011, aged just 27, the singer was still questioning the ability that powered huge hits such as Rehab, Valerie and You Know I’m No Good.

2 months ago | nme.com | John Earls

Orbital have teamed up with actor Tilda Swinton for new single ‘Deepest’, a reworking of the duo’s 1989 track ‘Deeper’. Check out it below along with our interview on the reissue of the classic ‘Brown Album’. ‘Deepest’ was debuted live last year, when Swinton joined the dance pioneers, brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll, onstage at Orbital’s Glastonbury performance. She had previously worked with Orbital when playing the mysterious Traveler in the video for 1996 single ‘The Box’.