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Articles by Thomas Smith
Taylor Swift earns third week as UK No. 1 with 'Patient Zero'
Taylor Swift is No. 1 on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart for a third consecutive week with "Patient Zero" (charts dated Oct. 17). The song appeared on the Encore deluxe edition of her record-breaking album The Life of a Showgirl alongside new tracks "Cleveland!," "Pink Clouding" and "Babylon." Swift premiered the music video for "Patient Zero" on Sept. 27 at the 2026 MTV VMAs , where she also collected the inaugural artist director prize.
Jamie T scores second consecutive UK No. 1 album
Jamie T has earned his second consecutive chart-topping album as Ghosts (100 Days of Morning) enters the U.K.'s Official Albums Chart at No. 1. The indie icon first hit the top of the charts in 2022 with The Theory of Whatever , his fifth studio album. All six of Jamie T's studio albums have all peaked inside the top five following Panic Prevention (2007, No. 4), Kings & Queens (2009, No. 2), Carry on the Grudge (2014, No. 4) and Trick (2016, No. 3).
Fontaines DC.'s 'Dopamine Chamber': Every song ranked
When Fontaines D.C. arrived as poetic, scrappy post-punks on their 2019 debut Dogrel , few would have had them pinned as their generation's finest (and commercially successful) bands. Just seven years on, however, the Irish five-piece have transcended any limitations or naysayers who said a rock band could no longer move culture in the 21st century: Get a load of these lads. Dopamine Chamber is the band's fifth album, and arrives in an ongoing purple patch for the group.
RAYE says 'AI bots' overwhelmed presale for upcoming London show
RAYE has blamed "AI bots" and "scalpers" for disrupting a ticket onsale after 1.8 million presale sign-ups were registered for her upcoming show at London's Royal Albert Hall. Writing on Instagram on Tuesday (Oct. 13), the British singer revealed that "hundreds of thousands of fake registrations" were recorded for the one-night-only show slated to take place on Oct. 23 at the iconic 5,000-capacity venue.
Fontaines D.C. Enlist Rosalea 'Where Is Gone?' Collaboration
Fontaines D.C. has enlisted Rosalía for the Irish band's first-ever collaboration with its stunning track "Where Is Gone?," which arrived Monday (Oct. 12). The duet features vocals from the Catalonian star and frontman Grian Chatten, and is the first time an outside collaborator has appeared on a song by the group. "Where Is Gone?" will feature on the group's forthcoming fifth studio album, Dopamine Chamber , out this Friday (Oct. 16).
Blossoms' 'Songs from the Wedding Cake' beats The Beatles for UK No. 1
Blossoms has earned its fifth No. 1 studio album with Songs From the Wedding Cake (Oct. 9). The Stockport-formed indie-rock group outlasts The Beatles , who were at No. 1 in the midweeks with a 60th anniversary reissue of Rubber Soul. Blossoms first hit No. 1 in 2016 with its self-titled debut, followed by Foolish Loving Spaces Ribbon Around the Bomb (2022) and Gary Speaking to the Official Charts Company, the five-piece said: "We're made up.
Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' is UK No. 1 single for second week
Taylor Swift ‘s "Patient Zero" has gone back-to-back with a second consecutive week as the U.K.'s No. 1 single on the chart published Friday (Oct. 9). The song appeared on the Encore deluxe edition of her record-breaking album The Life of a Showgirl alongside "Cleveland!," "Pink Clouding" and "Babylon." Swift premiered the music video for "Patient Zero" on Sept. 27 at the 2026 MTV VMAs , where she also collected the inaugural artist director prize.
Billboard UK 2026 40 under 40: See photos from the honors event
Billboard U.K. hosted its inaugural 40 Under 40 honors event at Manchester's Beyond The Music conference and festival on Wednesday (Oct. 7). The intimate event, held at the MediaCity complex in Salford, Greater Manchester, celebrated the publication of Billboard U.K. ‘s first-ever 40 Under 40 list , which recognizes rising executives based in the U.K. A number of honorees from major labels, indie companies, publishers, agencies and beyond were on hand to be celebrated by their peers.
Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero,' 'Life of a Showgirl' No. 1: UK charts
Taylor Swift has earned a U.K. chart double following the release of a deluxe edition of The Life of a Showgirl on the tallies published Friday (Oct. 2). Swift released The Encore edition of the LP on Sept. 25 with four new songs: "Patient Zero," "Cleveland!," "Pink Clouding" and "Babylon." Two days later, she premiered the music video for "Patient Zero" at the 2026 MTV VMAs , where she also collected the inaugural artist director prize.
BandLab's new CEO; Warner exec changes & more music industry hires
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BandLab Technologies has appointed Ivan Chen as CEO, with co-founder Meng Ru Kuok transitioning from chairman and CEO to the role of executive chairman. Chen first joined BandLab Technologies back in 2016, serving as chief operating officer. In 2024, he was named president of the company. Kuok has held the role of CEO since he first co-founded the company in 2015.
By Ariel King, Gail Mitchell, Chris Eggertsen Verified, Jessica Nicholson Verified, Rachel Scharf Verified, Thomas Smith
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2026 Mercury Prize ceremony performers: RAYE, Olivia Dean & more
RAYE Olivia Dean Florence + The Machine and more will perform at the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony. Taking place for a second consecutive year at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, a number of the 12-strong shortlist will perform live at the ceremony on Oct. 22. Nominees Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Suede and Pulp are all confirmed to perform one song each.
2026 Cubs playoff heroes and goats: Seiya Suzuki is the superhero vs. the Padres
This is the kind of thing I was talking about down the stretch. I felt the Cubs wouldn't be backed down or awed by the situation. This is an experienced club. At the end of the day, this didn't come down to injured pitchers or one eyed third basemen. It didn't come down to one team scuffling a bit or another one that is on a major role. It came down to exactly one scenario. The Cubs needed to have a pitcher good enough to shove for seven innings against a good offensive team.
Elton John to open Apple Music Hall London with last-minute show
Sir Elton John Charli xcx Burna Boy and Troye Sivan are among the acts performing at Apple Music Hall 's opening season in London. The 600-capacity venue at Battersea Power Station will open on Monday (Sept. 28) with a performance from John, with tickets on sale that same day (9 a.m. U.K. time) from the venue's official website Baby Keem Skye Newman Arlo Parks and Chase & Status will also join the opening run of shows before the end of 2026. See the full show dates below.
Sienna Spiro's 'Great Expectation' Scores Third Week as U.K. No. 1
Sienna Spiro 's "Great Expectation" is the U.K.'s No. 1 for a third consecutive week (Sept. 25). The song is one of three by Spiro inside the top 40 alongside "Die on This Hill" (No. 11) and "Pure," which rises 11 places to a new peak at No. 28. Spiro will perform at Sunday's MTV VMAs (Sept. 27), held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with RAYE, Madonna, LISA and more all set to grace the stage. The Brit will then head out on a North American headline tour in the following weeks.
Beabadoobee's 'Pylon' earns rocker second UK No. 1 album
Beabadoobee has earned her second U.K. No. 1 album with fourth LP Pylon (Sept. 25). The alt-rock star lands at No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart for the second release in a row following 2024's This is How Tomorrow Moves which also achieved the feat. Her previous two releases Fake It Flowers (2020) and Beatopia (2022) reached No. 8 and No. 4, respectively. Bea's peak on the Billboard 200 came in 2024 with This is How Tomorrow Moves landing at No. 34.
Amy Winehouse's ‘Back to Black': All-Star Tribute Concert Announed
A special concert honoring the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse ‘s iconic 2006 Back to Black LP will take place in London next month (October 21). The one-off performance at London's Roundhouse will see Winehouse's original live band joined by a slate of special guests vocalists.
Oasis add new dates to live '27 European/UK run: See full tour dates
Oasis has added a number of new shows to their upcoming Live ‘27 tour The band has added new shows in Rome, Italy, Munich, Germany and Knebworth House, England ahead of the ticket release this coming weekend. The band will now play a third night at Munich's Allianz Arena (July 6), a third at Rome's Stadio Omlimpico (July 26) and fifth and sixth shows at Knebworth House in Stevenage, England (Sept. 25, 26). Tickets for the group's 42-show run will begin on Friday (Sept. 25).
Independent Music Awards 2026: Winners list
Jorja Smith Robyn and Fcukers were among the winners at the 2026 Independent Music Awards in London on Tuesday (Sept. 22). The annual awards, hosted by the The Association for Independent Music, celebrates the U.K.'s indie music scene, with winners drawn from a genre-spanning shortlist. The ceremony took place at The Roundhouse in north London.
Ezra Collective's 'Here Because of Hope' is No. 1 album in UK
Ezra Collective has earned its first-ever U.K. No. 1 album with fourth LP Here Because of Hope on the chart published Friday (Sept 18). The London-formed jazz group lands atop the Official Albums Chart for the first time, following 2019's You Can't Steal My Joy (No. 70), 2023's Where I'm Meant to Be (No. 24) and 2024's Dance, No One's Watching (No. 7). The group has achieved a number of critical highs in recent years.
Sienna Spiro's 'Great Expectation' Is No. 1 U.K. Single for a 2nd Week
Sienna Spiro 's "Great Expectation" is No. 1 on the the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart for a second consecutive week on the chart published Friday (Sept. 18). On Sept. 11 , the song, taken from her 2026 debut LP Visitor , gave the London-born pop star her first U.K. chart-topper.
Ezra Collective on stunning new LP & collaborating with Olivia Dean
When listing recent success stories for British musicians, Ezra Collective deserve to be celebrated alongside Sam Fender Olivia Dean Lola Young and other hitamkers. Their story encapsulates everything that the U.K. music industry should be championing: sheer determination, superb talent and a community-led mindset. The jazz five-piece formed in a youth club, Tomorrow's Warriors in Enfield, north London, before growing steadily into a must-see live act and cultural leader.
Oasis 2027 tour: Ticket, setlist & festival rumours
Oasis is going back on tour in 2027 , with a victory lap taking in stadiums across the U.K., Ireland, mainland Europe, and two U.S. cities, Boston and Las Vegas. The shows have been teased and reported on for some time, pretty much since Noel and Liam Gallagher's reconciliation on their epic 2025 reunion tour , which kicked off in Cardiff, Wales, on July 4.
Oasis 2027 tour setlist predictions: Which songs will join the set?
Fish out the bucket hats and the Adidas-branded merch: Oasis is going back on tour in 2027 The Gallagher brothers will be hitting up a number of key cities across the U.K., Ireland, mainland Europe and the U.S. next summer with a run of shows that kick off on May 21 in Glasgow. They'll head to Manchester, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Slane Castle in the Republic of Ireland, before stops in Boston, Massachusetts, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oasis 2027 tour dates announced
The masterplan is coming together: Oasis is heading back on tour in 2027. After months of speculation, on Monday (Sept. 14) the band confirmed that it is set to perform a number of shows in summer 2027 across the U.K., Europe and in the U.S. Oasis will perform in key cities across Europe including Glasgow, Manchester, Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome before a pair of stops in the U.S. in Boston and Las Vegas.
Oasis confirm major announcement is coming: Here's when it'll land
Oasis teased an upcoming major announcement with a special drone light show above Manchester's Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening (Sept. 10). The band uploaded footage of the stunt on their Instagram account on Friday morning (Sept. 11), which shows a formation of drone lights that created the band's iconic logo, before showing the time and date of a forthcoming announcement due on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. BST (11 a.m. ET).
Why End of the Road is the UK.'s bar-setting indie festival
For the past 20 years, attendees at End of the Road festival in southwest England have become accustomed to expecting the unexpected. Secret sets from big name acts, hidden areas on the site and last-minute, impromptu moments of magic are par for the course at this haven for fans of alternative and independent music. Case in point: Prior to an unannounced set by red-hot Irish trad-folk band Madra Salach on the Saturday afternoon of 2026's event (Sept.
2026 Cubs heroes and goats: Carson Kelly is the superhero vs. the Brewers
If you had just a little bit less than five months, you win the prize. The question? How long can a pretty good team last with no bullpen? With smoke and mirrors and grit and perseverance, they held in there for a long time. The bullpen was never good, but for most of the year it was largely functional. My concern all along ended up being well founded. The dynamic offense was covering up a lot of weaknesses.
End of the Road Festival 2026: Geese, Pulp & CMAT best moments
End of The Road festival took place this past weekend on the border of Dorset and Wiltshire in southwest England (Sept. 3-6) with celebrations amplified for its 20th weekend celebrations. First held in 2006, the festival has become a shining beacon of originality in the U.K.'s festival scene. Set up by Simon Taffe as an intimate gathering at Larmer Tree Gardens, the annual party is proof that the scene's independent sector still sets the standard and trends for mainstream events.
Charli XCX at Reading Festival 2026: 5 best moments
Earlier this week, Charli xcx took a trip down memory lane. Sitting with BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, she reflected on her previous appearances as a performer at Reading Festival over the years. She was hard on herself in the way you can be when confronted with your younger, more idealistic, carefree self. "It's cringing me out, if I'm honest," she said of her 2017 performance. Her review of her 2019 show? She didn't like her fringe much, she added.
Ayra Starr to to Headline NFL London Halftime Show
The NFL has announced that Ayra Starr will headline a halftime show during one of its upcoming international matches in London this coming fall. The Afrobeats star will perform during the halftime of an NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2:30 p.m. BST (9:30 a.m. ET) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. She is the first Afrobeats star to be selected for an NFL International Game Halftime show.
Deftones at London's All Points East: Recap & best moments
The U.K.'s rock fans and metalheads haven't been short of opportunities for headbanging and moshing this summer. Metallica brought its No Repeats set to the London Stadium in July and, a week later, My Chemical Romance 's theatrical re-run of The Black Parade was lauded for its ambition. Then came System of a Down and Queens of the Stone Age forming a super bill at the Spurs Stadium, while Bring Me the Horizon performed their 2006 debut Count Your Blessings in full at a show in Manchester.
Sam Fender & Olivia Dean's 'Rein Me In' is No. 1 for 22nd week in UK
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean 's "Rein Me In" has earned a 22nd non-consecutive week at the summit of the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart published Aug. 21. The song is currently the longest-running No. 1 of all time in the U.K., surpassing the previous record held by Frankie Lane, who achieved 18 weeks back in 1953 with "I Believe." The 22-week streak for "Rein Me In" has seen a number of long-standing records tumble.
Phoebe Bridgers' 'Lost Weekend' is the No. 1 album in the UK
Phoebe Bridgers has scored her first solo U.K. No. 1 album with Lost Weekend on the chart published Friday (Aug. 21). The singer-songwriter's third studio album tops the Official Albums Chart in its opening week, surpassing her 2020 LP, Punisher , which landed at No. 6. She previously hit the top spot in 2023 with boygenius, a supergroup formed with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, and their debut album, The Record . The latter peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 upon release.
FCUKers lead 2026 Independent Music Awards nominations: Full nominees list
UPDATE (Aug. 20) : The Association for Independent Music (AIM) has announced the final nominees for the 2026 Independent Music Awards, highlighting the artists, labels and businesses driving the U.K's independent music scene. The award ceremony will be presented Sept. 22 at the Roundhouse, in North London. Jim Legxacy now joins previously-announced nominees Fcukers as the joint-most nominated artists, with three nods apiece.
Phoebe Bridgers forced to cancel last-minute UK shows due to illness
Phoebe Bridgers has cancelled a run of U.K. performances due to a bout of appendicitis. Confirming the news on her Instagram stories , the California-born singer-songwriter said that a number of intimate shows booked for this week would no longer go ahead. The run of gigs coincided with the release of her third solo LP Lost Weekend , which came out last Friday (Aug. 14). "I got appendicitis for my birthday," she wrote on her Instagram Story, which featured a picture of her in a hospital bed.
Ozzfest is back: Festival confirms venue for 2027 edition
After much teasing, it's finally been confirmed: OzzFest is returning in 2027. The festival's official Instagram page confirmed the return of the rock and metal festival for next year and that the event will be held in Villa Park, Birmingham. The 42,000-capacity stadium was the site of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne 's farewell show Back to the Beginning , which took place in July 2025.
Fontaines DC.'s new album 'Dopamine Chamber' release date announced
Fontaines D.C. has pulled the curtain back on its next era, with the Dublin-formed band's new album, Dopamine Chamber , confirmed to arrive on Oct. 16 via XL Recordings. News of the forthcoming LP arrives alongside its punchy lead single, "Marianne," which received its live debut during a headline gig at the Baluarte de la Candelaria venue, in Cadiz, Spain, on Aug. 8.
The Reytons' 'Love Letter to a Broken Town' is No. 1 album in UK
The Reytons have bested FLO to the No. 1 spot on the U.K.'s Official Albums Chart with its fourth LP, A Love Letter to a Broken Town , on the chart published Friday (Aug. 14). The Yorkshire-formed indie band has now earned two chart-topping albums in the U.K., following its 2023 collection What's Rock and Roll?
Sam Fender, Olivia Dean's 'Rein Me In' No. 1 in UK for 21st week
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean 's "Rein Me In" has earned a 21st week at No. 1 on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart, extending their record-breaking streak. The song is currently the longest-running No. 1 of all time , surpassing the previous record held by Frankie Lane, who achieved 18 weeks back in 1953 with "I Believe." The 21-week streak for "Rein Me In" has seen a number long-standing records tumble.
Charli XCX joins The Strokes for 'Take It or Leave It' at Outside Lands
Charli xcx joined The Strokes to perform vocals for an Is This It classic during the band's headline set at San Francisco's Outside Lands on Saturday (Aug. 8) The Essex-born musician joined Strokes' frontman Julian Casablancas on the mic for "Take It Or Leave It" from the group's 2001 debut, with Casablancas describing her as "a superstar" during the guest appearance.
Fugees set at Lauryn Hill's Diaspora Calling! Festival cut short
Fans were left dismayed after The Fugees ' set at the Diaspora Calling! Festival was cut short with major songs still left to perform on Friday night (Aug. 7). The festival took place at Milton Keynes National Bowl in England, marking ghe first time the Lauryn Hill -curated event had taken place in the U.K. The lineup featured Erykah Badu , Giggs, Fireboy DML and was hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle.
Fontaines DC debut two new songs at comeback show in Spain
Fontaines D.C. debuted a pair of new songs at their first live performance of the year over the weekend, teeing up a fresh era for the Irish group. The band performed a pair of shows in Cadiz, Spain on Friday and Saturday (Aug. 7, 8) as part of their summer slate, which culminates in headline performances at Reading & Leeds Festival (Aug. 28, 29) and Ireland's Electric Picnic (Aug. 30).
Gracie Abrams scores second UK No. 1 LP with 'Daughter from Hell'
Gracie Abrams has earned her second U.K. No. 1 album with Daughter From Hell (July 24). The L.A.-born singer-songwriter first hit the top spot in 2024 with The Secret of Us which also spawned the U.K. No. 1 single "That's So True"; her debut album, 2023's Good Riddance peaked at No. 3. Abrams will tour a number of U.K. and European arenas this coming fall.
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The Cure 's Robert Smith is not looking forward to the Chris Martin -curated half-time show at Sunday's (July 19) FIFA World Cup final. For the first time in its history, the final will feature a half-time show , which runs to 11 minutes of the allotted 15-minute break. Broadcasters, however , expect the total half-time break to potentially run to 30 minutes, a violation of FIFA's own rules.
England loses World Cup semifinal: Mick Jagger, Liam Gallagher react
Thomas Smith England crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday night (July 15), and Sir Mick Jagger and Liam Gallagher have had conflicting responses. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Argentina following two late goals, which brought a heartbreaking end to the squad's quest for a first World Cup final in 60 years. The team last competed in the final in 1966 when it beat West Germany 4-2, and have appeared in three semifinals since, losing them all (1990, 2018, 2026).
2026 Cubs heroes and goats: Alex Bregman is the superhero vs. the Reds again!
Thomas Smith Perspective Check: Four teams have more wins than the Cubs, two teams have as many wins as the Cubs. The Cubs enter the All-Star break in the top Wild Card spot. They are now only one loss behind the Braves and five behind the Brewers. They are on pace for 91 wins. A quirk about me, I loathe the All-Star break being the end of the “first half.” Approximately 60 percent of this year's games have been played. Regardless, the Cubs enter the break playing well and in good position.
Olivia Rodrigo's 'You Seem Pretty' debuts at No. 1 on UK chart
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CMAT shares 'deep sadness' over fresh body-shaming comments
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