MIDGE URE ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR AT 70

Having celebrated his 70th birthday with a sold out show at the historic Royal Albert Hall in October 2023, Midge Ure is keen to continue the celebration of his life in music by announcing a new 23 date UK tour for November and December 2024.

 

The tour will give Midge the opportunity to showcase the musical breadth and versatility of his extensive song catalogue written during the past 50 years; giving old and new fans alike a truly remarkable night of hits and rarely heard gems.  

 

Midge says “I performed live long before I was ever allowed anywhere near a recording studio and as much as I love spending time writing and recording, live music remains my first love. This ‘Catalogue’ tour will allow me to not only play a wide selection of hits from my past but perform some of the most requested favourites. Revisiting these moments from my musical life is something I am really looking forward to sharing”.

 

Midge Ure has had an unrivalled career earning him Ivor Novello, Grammy and BASCAP awards along with a flotilla of gold and platinum records during the past five decades. His story includes the early teen glam rock of Silk, his foray with The Sex Pistols Glen Matlock for The Rich Kids into the 80’s which saw him secure his place in musical history not just as part of Ultravox and Visage who helped shape the new romantic and electro-pop era, but as producer and co-writer of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ which led to Live Aid, the summer 1985 global concert that, all exaggeration aside, spoke for a generation.

 

15-Nov-24                  Bournemouth Pavilion

17-Nov-24                  Truro               Hall For Cornwall

18-Nov-24                  Torquay          Princess Theatre

19-Nov-24                  London           Palladium

22-Nov-24                  Portsmouth    Guildhall

23-Nov-24                  Oxford             New Theatre

24-Nov-24                  Cardiff             New Theatre

25-Nov-24                  Leicester         De Montfort Hall

27-Nov-24                  Ipswich           Regent Theatre

29-Nov-24                  Guildford        G-Live

30-Nov-24                  Sheffield         City Hall

1-Dec-24                     Birmingham   Symphony Hall

3-Dec-24                     Hull                 City Hall

4-Dec-24                     Gateshead     Glasshouse

5-Dec-24                     Scarborough  Spa Theatre

7-Dec-24                     Liverpool        M&S Bank Arena Auditorium

8-Dec-24                     Leeds              Grand Theatre

9-Dec-24                     Manchester    Bridgewater Hall

12-Dec-24                   Aberdeen        Music Hall

13-Dec-24                   Perth               Concert Hall

14-Dec-24                   Edinburgh       Usher Hall

18-Dec-24                   Glasgow          Royal Concert Hall

SCOTS LOVE ISLAND STAR BIGGS CHRIS REVEALS SECRET PAST WITH CURRENT BOMBSHELL

SCOTS Love Island star Biggs Chris has revealed he once had a hot date with new Love Island bombshell Samie Elishi - and couldn’t lie about it to his girlfriend. 

Biggs, 30, who is now loved up with girlfriend of a year and a half Sumerica Hawkins, 28 admitted he didn’t realise Samie, 22, was going into the show until he watched it. 
And he confessed it proved to be an awkward moment for himself and Sumerica.
Glasgow born Biggs, who was a contender in the 2020 show, and has moved into property developing, said: “Sumerica and I were watching Love Island together when Samie first arrived at the villa. I saw her hair, then her face and thought: ‘Hang on. I know you’. 

Sumerica saw my face drop and asked: ‘Is there something you want to tell me?”
I tried to lie but it didn’t work. She can read me like a book.”
Biggs, who revealed his past fling as he and Sumerica enjoyed a traditional Lebanese charcoal grill at stylish Glasgow High Street restaurant Damasqino, said he met London born Samie when he was newly single following his split from former Love Island partner Rebecca Gormley two years ago. 
He continued: “Samie and I had a fling after a boozy night in London. We were at an after party with loads of people and ended up having a bit of a fun night. She has no fear and goes for what she wants. She’s a really nice girl and I think she’ll spice up the villa.”

He added: “Lucky for me, Sumerica is playful and is very cool about my past flings. In fact she’s now teasing me that maybe one of her own exes will crop up on the show.”
During his lavish meal, Biggs also revealed he is about to embark on a new property podcast with fellow ex-Love Islander and Justin Bieber lookalike Luke Mabbot.

MANCHESTER CITY MOXY HOTEL REVIEW: GET AHEAD WITH A HAT

THEY say that to get ahead you should get a hat and Moxy Hotel Manchester City boasts a whole wall of them. 

The Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, officially opened in Manchester at the start of the year and presents its ever stylish vibe to the heart of Spinningfields. 

You can’t really get more City than where it is. 

With its pink neon signage on top of its metal panelled exterior, the contemporary neighbourhood hotel offers a youthful fun atmosphere to those looking for a place to be.

For those travelling by train, plane or bus, its centrally located and a nearby NCP car park accommodates those who travel by car - remember to download the app first though. 

The minute you walk in you know you are in for some sociable times. 

All guests arriving are offered a premixed cocktail (there’s a zero alcohol option too) just to kick off your free time. 

The lounge area of the hotel offers quirky furnishings with colourful scatter cushions and little nods to the surrounding culture and history. 

At Moxy City Manchester, you’ll find test tubes on shelves - a nod to the chemists that used to be there, cushions in the shape of knots - a reminder of the cotton that was made there,  and hats aplenty - addressing the old hat factory there. 

There were also old style gym lockers against one of the walls and a football table and annexed off of that a private office type space for board meetings or communal gatherings. 

At weekends there’s DJs behind one of the desks at the entrance and card and board games aplenty as well as books to read to pass the time. 

It’s got a cool, uncomplicated vibe and the smiles on guests faces says it all. 

On arrival one of Moxy’s artists was completing a colourful mural on the back wall. 

We checked in, got our welcoming drink, and caught a lift which was emblazoned with the lyrics Love Will Tear Us Apart - a tribute to Joy Division’s Factory Records link to the city. 

We encountered a couple of greyhounds waiting for their floor - as the hotel is pet friendly. 

The room itself was spotless and a sign told us everything had just been given a swoosh of anti bacterial liquid including the remote control (always comforting). 

The mirrors are perfect for selfies and the mood lighting is a perfect start to the weekend - with a motion centred light under the bed for those night time bathroom excursions. 

Closets are open walled and everything is minimalistic so there’s less clutter and more sleek lines. 

The platform beds had fresh white mattresses and the pillows had just enough bounce while in the bathroom there are walk in showers and the pink hand and body soap smelled lovely too. 

We resisted watching Netflix on the telly to explore the surrounding area of Spinningfields and its cool mix of shops and restaurants.  

We were a guest of Ducie Street Warehouse and loved the freshly made food and trendy atmosphere in spacious surroundings and also visited our favourite Chinese restaurant The Rice Bowl, with its gluten free vegetarian options and stylish tables, the following day. 

Breakfast at The Moxy is even better than you’d imagine. 

There is much more than muffins and cookies, as guests can enjoy a self service hot or cold buffet with cold meats and cheeses, breads, fruits, an extensive cereal bar, yoghurts, a traditional English brekkie, and a mix of hot and cold drinks. 

Machines will dispense regular breakfast drinks - with a separate fridge offering more choice to those who wish to pay a little extra for the drink of their choice. 

The Moxy bar has a host of cocktails on offer too with beers, spirits, wine, Moxy syrup blend, non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy,or the booze fuelled Disco Diva in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco.

 There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7 for those late night cravings. 

Staff at the nine storey hotel were so friendly and informative about the local surroundings and history. 

They went out their way to help with any requests too. 

The Moxy is perfect for an easy and energised staycation.  For full transparency we were a guest of the hotel for our stay but would definitely revisit. 

 Rooms are available from £99.

.To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr  #PLAYON #ATTHEMOXY

 

NATHAN EVANS GOES HITCHHIKING IN GLENCOE FOR LATEST VIDEO

Wellerman hitmaker and multi-platinum British breakthrough singer-songwriter Nathan Evans went climbing in Glencoe for his brand new video. 

Nathan released the official video for latest single, “Told You So” via Polydor; the same single that Zoe Ball, OJ Borg and Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 have championed since its inception. 

The official video opens with Nathan standing on the side of the road in Glen Coe hitchhiking across various idyllic locations across Scotland in a bid to get home. 

Nathan eventually reaches his hometown of Airdrie, assembling a cast of his genuine family and friends to whom he performs an intimate gig. The new video marks Evans’ arrival: a transition from TikTok to international pop-stardom and is available to watch  [HERE]. 

 

To celebrate the release of the video, Nathan says: “Thank you, guys, so much on all the support so far with Told You So It has been so overwhelming but also absolutely amazing. Some of the locations in the new music video are beautiful. We spent nearly a full day down by Loch Lomond and a place called Arrochar, and the footage just looks amazing. Loch Lomond is always beautiful. We also went back to my roots and spent a good day filming in Airdrie to get a good sense of home in there too, it looks outstanding. I cannot wait for you all to see the new video! Personally, I love it and hope you all love it just as much as I do!”

 

The release of his new video for the single that went onto chart in the Top 10 of the Music Moves Europe Talent charts follows the global success of “Wellerman”, the biggest selling domestic single of 2021 in the UK so far and first Scottish artist to have a debut #1 since 2007. Leading a new cultural movement of sea shanties, Nathan went onto to score a #1 in 10 countries including the UK while clocking up well over a staggering half a billion streams, quickly becoming the biggest Global hit from a British artist in 2021. It caught the attention of Brian May and Andrew Lloyd Webber with appearances around the globe on the likes of Good Morning America, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, The BRITs and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

 

In high demand, Nathan is set to play his first festival appearance on the main stage in front of 60,000 people at TRNSMT in Glasgow on 11 September where he will be in good company alongside NME Award winner Liam Gallagher and fellow Scots Primal Scream. Pre Covid he was performing to 60 people! He will later embark on a U.K. and Ireland wide tour which kicks off on 1 December in Dublin with dates scheduled throughout the U.K. including Manchester, London, and his home city of Glasgow with 13 dates also across Europe into 2022. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.livenation.co.uk/. See below for Nathan Evans’ full live schedule.

On his upcoming lives shows, Nathan says: “Can’t believe I can actually say that I’m going on tour! Not just a UK tour but also a European tour, that’s mind blowing to me, still can’t believe it! Can’t wait to eventually meet everyone who has supported me on this amazing journey and put some faces to names, it’s going to be amazing!”

2021 UK & IRELAND TOUR DATES
 
11 September 2021                         Glasgow, U.K.                         TRNSMT
 
01 December 2021                           Dublin, Ireland                            Academy 2
06 December 2021                           Manchester, U.K.                       The Deaf Institute
08 December 2021                           London, U.K.                               Colours
09 December 2021                           Milton Keynes, U.K.                    Unit Nine
12 December 2021                           Glasgow, U.K.                              King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
13 December 2021                           Edinburgh, U.K.                           The Caves
14 December 2021                           Glasgow, U.K.                              King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
16 December 2021                           Aberdeen, U.K.                            The Tunnels
19 December 2021                           Coventry, U.K.                              Rialto Plaza

GLASGOW RESTAURANT COMES UP WITH HOMEMADE VEGAN PANEER

THE  Glasgow Indian restaurant that was the first in the U.K. to go totally nut free has just come up with a brand new vegan paneer cheese.
The Dhabba restaurant in the city’s Candleriggs has always led the way in trendsetting North Indian cuisine and was keen to provide its vegan customers with a taste of their famous homemade paneer cheese.
The eaterie, which already had an extensive vegan choice, as well as its chicken, lamb, fish and vegetarian dishes, has just relaunched it’s vegan menu to give even more choice to its dairy and egg free  customers.
It’s new menu features paneer handmade from soy milk (not tofu) to give a traditional taste with all the benefits.
There are currently three vegan paneer main dishes on offer - Paneer Shimla -  with peppers and onions, Palak Paneer
- a robust preparation of paneer and spinach leaves, and  Paneer Makhani Masala - a vegan cottage cheese in a tomato- based rich, creamy sauce.
All the paneer dishes are £12.95 and join other vegan delights like Subzi Tak-a-Tak with Indian squash, bitter gourd, cauliflower, aubergines and okra, Bharwan Aloo- Roasted potato stuffed with chopped vegetables and Khumb Gajar Mutter- A medley of mushrooms, carrots and green peas in a medium sauce of browned onions, tomato and ginger.
Dhabba owner Navdeep Basi said: “At Dhabba we have always taken pride in offering quality dishes whilst pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine. The ancient art of Paneer making is something our chefs are very skilled at and we thought it would be good to create something special for our vegan customers.
We have a totally bespoke vegan menu on offer for them which now joins our other chicken, lamb, fish and vegetarian menus. We have a large range of gluten free dishes and are totally nut free. It’s been interesting and flattering to see other restaurants around the globe following our lead. We hope to set the trend with our soy milk based vegan paneer once again.”



From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

BLACKPOOL ROCKS

FORGET the rollercoasters...As I dangled from the ledge of the Blackpool Tower watching the tiny match box cars below I felt like a true daredevil. 
Ok, there might have been some ultra durable glass in between me and the 600 foot drop onto the people below but it made for a great picture.
The Tower wasn't the only thrill on my three day trip to the seaside resort.

There was the time I ate bugs at Madame Tussauds complete with wax effigies of Ant and Dec in the jungle in between posing with a variety of stars like Bruce Forsyth, Alan Carr, Susan Boyle, the cast of Corrie and The Queen.
And who could forget my face to face encounter with a shark and the chance to stroke a starfish at Blackpool Sea Life and the thrill of crashing into the waves at indoor seaside resort Sandcastle.

Ok so I might have woosed out of going on the Big One ( whiplash can sometimes be a handy excuse) and perhaps I didn't do the most exciting of water slides at Sandcastle but I definitely gave Blackpool my all - and I got it back, big time.
'Blackpool has it all' is Visit Blackpool's slogan and it would be hard to argue otherwise.
No, it doesn't have the designer shops of Miami or Paris (unless you count the cheeky replicas) but it has a unique character that you can't find elsewhere.
It's one of the cheeky picture postcards of old, the kiss me quick innocence of a bygone age, the simple pleasures that a stick of rock can bring.

There is no pretension in Blackpool. You take it as you find it and an open mind is necessary to make the most of your time there.
The weather, on a good day, can rival anything overseas and the seaside side will refresh even the most jaded of minds.
There are so many hotels, guest houses and B and Bs to choose from depending on your budget and your requirements. We opted for the South Shore Carousel hotel on the recommendation of a friend and it had everything we needed during our three day stay.
Although it is officially an AA rated three star it has 92 comfortable, clean and modern rooms with ensuite facilities, an English and continental breakfast (complete with vegetarian and gluten free options) and a well priced all day menu for families wanting to snack or dine throughout their stay.

Prices range from £60 -130 a night depending on the time of year and it is a popular venue for weddings.
As it's on the South Shore five minutes away from the Pleasure Beach and other colourful attractions it is frequented by a lot of families so is bustling at night.
We made the most of our time in Blackpool with the brilliant Blackpool Resort Pass which allowed us to visit major attractions over a seven day period.
There are two available types - the original resort pass for £55 which gives you up to six amazing attractions - the Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land, the Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D experience, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Sea Life Blackpool and Madame Tussauds.
The £80 pass gives you all that as well as Blackpool Zoo, Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Model Village and Gardens. You can also pay extra for bolt ons like afternoon tea, Funny Girls and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Blackpool has plenty going on this year and if you miss the summer season there's an air show this August, the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On Weekend from September 1-3, the World Fireworks Championship throughout selected dates in September and Nickelodeon's SLIMEFEST on October 21, 22 and 23.
For more info check out visitblackpool.com

GREEN DAY GREET DISAPPOINTED FANS IN GLASGOW

GREEN Day met with disappointed fans at their Glasgow hotel after their gig at Bellahouston Park was cancelled.



The band had spent the whole day holed up at the stylish Blythswood hotel in the city centre after their gig was cancelled at the eleventh hour with promoters blaming bad weather for making it too unsafe to hold the gig.
Just before they left by private jet from Glasgow airport, theshowbizlion.com captured all the action as Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt stepped out and told fans who'd been singing some of their biggest anthems outside the hotel: "I want to thank every one of you guys for coming out today. This is a bummer because it's always one of the best stops on our tour. You guys are the best singers in Europe.
In our exclusive video he was asked by the crowd of around a hundred revellers if other band members were coming out and he said: "Billie will eventually come out. He's not going to live there at the hotel forever. At the end of the day we're here cause we want to play."
Questioned when they were coming back he said: "If I knew. Let me book it real quick. I just knew it was a safety issue. That's all I know. Let's do a group picture."
The band had earlier hit out on Facebook after their gig was cancelled.
 The American Idiot singers wrote to fans online: “Glasgow, we are very sad to report our show today at Bellahouston Park has been cancelled.
“The local safety council, production crew, and concert organisers have deemed the stage unsafe for the fans and everyone involved.
“We are very distraught about this as we are in Glasgow now and were very much looking forward to this as one the highlights of our tour."
They added: “We’ve been playing in extreme weather conditions throughout this European tour, and the last thing we want to do is see a show cancelled.
“We love our Scottish fans and we don’t care if its raining f*****g sideways, although the safety of our fans and our crew is always our top priority.
“We love you Scotland, we love the city of Glasgow and it goes without saying that WE WILL BE BACK!”
Billie Joe Armstrong also recorded a video on Instagram saying: “Hello Glasgow kids, Scotland. This is a bummer — we really wanted to play.
“Right now I can actually hear people gathering out front of our hotel. I heard you singing Still Breathing, which was beautiful.”

Promoter PCL said of the cancelled gig: "Due to adverse weather conditions it is no longer safe for the bands to perform on stage and unfortunately today’s show will be cancelled. Tickets will be refunded.”
“Adverse weather conditions overnight and throughout the morning, during the bands’ scheduled load-in, led to issues on stage.
“A meeting between the on-site health and safety, event management, the artists’ representatives and promoters concluded it would be unsafe in the timescale to proceed with the event.”
Support bands Slaves, The Skids and Rancid were also due to play before Green Day took to the stage.
The drama has caused a whole load of controversy on and offline with many fans and workers being left out of pocket.
Extracts of this article have since appeared in the Daily Record
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

WILL TAKE THAT BE WEARING KILTS TO TAKE PART IN SCOTTISH CHARITY KILT WALK?

TAKE That might well give true Scotsmen a run for their money after backing Scotland's famous Kiltwalk.
The trio did their own cover version of The Proclaimers I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) alongside ITV Breakfast’s LA correspondent Ross King to encourage punters to sign up for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk which takes place next month.
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen join other celebs including actor Gerard Butler and comedian Kevin Bridges in support of the charity.
Mark Owen who used to come up to Scotland regularly during his solo career said: " Is it about walking in a kilt? I'd like to."
Kiltwalkers won’t need to walk 500 miles, but 23 miles for the Mighty Stride, 15 miles for the Big Stroll or six miles for the Wee Wander in four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year.
For every pound raised by walkers, £1.10 will go to charity. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation generously pledged that 110% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to charity.
Whether a walker raises £10 or £100 or more The Hunter Foundation will add 10% to their fundraising total with absolutely no limit.
Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk said: “It’s brilliant that the Take That lads are encouraging fans to walk. Our ambition is to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s largest mass participation event, so this kind of support is invaluable.
"With the Glasgow Kiltwalk just a month away, we’re asking Scots to choose a charity close to their hearts and sign-up for the Kiltwalk to help raise vital funds. The efforts from walkers will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many. And with the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk open to all charities there has never been a better time to get your kilt on.”
Funds raised at the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk went to 282 Scottish children’s charities in 2016. This year, even more people will be able to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every Scottish charity.
Kiltwalk has raised more than £3.5 million for Scottish charitable causes since 2011. The dates for the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk 2017, are: Glasgow (April 30), Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17).
This year’s fundraising will be further boosted by a pledge from Platinum Sponsors Arnold Clark that one lucky Kiltwalker from each of the four 2017 events will win a brand new Renault Clio.
All you need to do is register to take part in any 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk and start fundraising to be in with the chance of winning the car.
Those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself will know that everything they raise will be distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.
Walkers can choose to walk the Mighty Stride (23 miles), the Big Stroll (15 miles) or the Wee Wander (6 miles) so people of all ages and abilities can take part.
To sign up for any of the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks simply visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTTISH LADY GAGA FANS WAIT FOR HOT DATE AS SHE ANNOUNCES 2017 TOUR

LADY Gaga has just announced the first dates of a world tour following her epic Super Bowl performance.
The brilliant star who is a favourite of TheShowbizlion.com since we met her years ago when she supported (yes supported!) The Pussycat Dolls in Glasgow, announced the Joanne tour just hours after her stellar show Stateside.
This is Lady Gaga’s first solo tour since her 2014 Monster Ball extravaganza, and is in conjunction with her fifth album Joanne.
It starts Off in Vancourver, Canada, on August 1 – before Gaga heads across the United States and into South America.
Gags will then play her first Europe date, in Barcelona, Spain on September 22 and also has scheduled in three UK dates so far.
She'll play the 02 London on Monday October 9 then the Birmingham Barclaycard Arena on Sunday October 15 and Manchester Arena on Tuesday October 17.
A Scottish date has not yet been announced but we know Gaga loves her Caledonian fans so we're sure it's only a matter of time...


The Super Bowl performance last night showed off the stars singing, dancing, piano playing, jumping and ball catching skills against a backdrop of illuminated drones and has already notched up millions of views online. Her set list consisted of the tracks below and we're sure she'll include these and more kn her next tour.
Presale Tickets are available this Thursday at 9am.

This Land Is Your Land
Just Dance (excerpt)
Edge Of Glory (excerpt)
Poker Face
Born This Way
Telephone
Just Dance
Million Reasons
Bad Romance



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

BLACKADDER STAR TONY ROBINSON HAS HIS PIE AND EATS IT IN SCOTLAND

BLACKADDER and Time Team star Sir Tony Robinson couldn't believe it when fans showered him with macaroni cheese on his trip to Scotland.
The actor and presenter who is best known as Baldrick and his famous phrases like 'I have a cunning plan' was appearing in Glasgow and Edinburgh for his No Cunning Plan book signing.
He told his online followers he was
'Looking forward to lashings of Macaroni cheese pie' but never expected them to take him up on his suggestion.



Tony who was in Scotland with his wife said: "I said I fancied macaroni cheese. The next thing I knew they were suggesting all sorts of macaroni cheese to me including deep fried pies. Someone even brought one to the book signing."
Phil from Falkirk was amongst those who made the extra effort,
He said: "I took diplomatic responsibility to welcome Tony Robinson to Glasgow with a formal presentation."


Tony was also collecting donations for Movember as he sports a moustache for the first time in ages but he admitted he couldn't wait to get rid of it.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

HARRY STYLES STEPS IN TO HELP FOUR YEAR OLD CANCER SUFFERER

HARRY Styles has made a dying four year old girl's wish come true by contacting her family to chat about her after hearing how much she loves him.
Fans pleaded with the One Direction star and his mum to contact Lancashire'a Jessica Whelan whose severe stage of neuroblastoma has ravaged her body.
After doctors gave her just a few more weeks to live, Jessica's family and friends are trying to make her remaining time the best possible and after Nicki Jessica's mum revealed she was a huge fan of Harry's they appealed to him to help out.
Family friend Chelsea Conlon from Oswaldtwistles said: "I was looking at doing something different. I asked Jessica's mum if there was anyone she likes or an idol. And the response was Harry Styles. It is a big ask, but it would be nice if he could. It'd put a smile on her face briefly, at least for a little while."


After Directioners and Harry Styles fans asked the star to help out, Jessica's mum received a call out of the blue from the man himself late last night at just before 9pm. She revealed last night (Tuesday) : "Well that was a surreal phone call. An unknown number I answered for it to only be Harry Styles ringing from the USA!!!
He wants to do a FaceTime or video recording for Jessica! The way she is at the moment I've told him that she would benefit more from a recording which he has said he will do for her and email to us."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

MEL B GOES SEXY SPICE WITH PROFESSOR GREEN IN EDINBURGH

SPICE Girl Mel B showed off her tighter than tight outfit at Edinburgh TV festival as she teased Professor Green about his newly single life.
The star was in cheeky mode as she presented a special edition of lip sync battle for top telly Chiefs at the EICC.
She asked co presenter Prof Green: "How are you these days Prof?"
He replied: "Single" referring to his recent split with Made in Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh.
She then gave him some banter adding: "Yeah right look at you. C'mon how is it really going?"
The Prof replied: "It is going alright really."


Mel who told the showbizlion.com she was wearing "PVC" enjoyed hosting the show admitting that telly execs were crazier than the rest of the population.
She didn't comment on the forthcoming Spice Girl Reunion plans which will see her team up with Emma and Geri for twentieth anniversary celebrations.




- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

Location:Shuttle Street,Glasgow,United Kingdom

SCOTTISH BAR AND PUB AWARDS - THE WINNERS GO BRAZILIAN

A drinks serving robot and Brazilian dancing girls helped Scotland’s bars and pubs celebrate in style at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.
The gongs were out in force as Scotland 's longest running licensed trade awards celebrated its twenty first anniversary last night (Tuesday August 16) into the Wee small hours with more than five hundred guests from the trade at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel.


Leith born businessman Kevin Doyle, owner of Edinburgh's Dome, who has over £100 million invested in the licensed trade, picked up the Flow Entrepreneur of the Year award while bars and pubs from around Scotland picked up the accolades, and received a bespoke Glencairn Crystal Trophy.

Joyce Arbuckle, director of sales at The Kingsmill in Inverness picked up the accolade Benromach Award for Success, while Glasgow’s Pot Still scooped the Wee Dram Whisky Bar of The Year.



Six other Glasgow establishments won awards too: Blue Dog's Matthew Ronald and Chris Ryder stealing Disaronno Cocktail Bar of the Year while Bar Bloc+ in Glasgow won Kopparberg Independent Bar of the Year and The Atlantic took the honours of The Wee Guide Best New Bar and Restaurant.

The Ben Nevis in Glasgow was highly commended in The Dram Dog Friendly category.

Loren MacGregor of The Busby Hotel in Glasgow was given the title of Mixxit Bar Apprentice of the Year while Boclair House in Bearsden, owned by Manorview, received the Glencairn Crystal award for Best New Venue.



Rose Woolen and Lewis Jenning of Manorview Hotel and Leisure Group, based in Howwood were also presented with the Bright Signals Social Media Award on the night.

Ayrshire bars also received recognition on the night with Stewarton's The Mill House picking up the BII Customer Service Award and Seamill Hydro in West Kilbride winning the Inverarity Wine By The Glass Award.

And Lanarkshire's Lisini Pub Co was awarded The Family Run Business of the year with Harry Hood, Lisa Wishart and the Lisini team collecting their trophy.

In Dundee, Gallery 48 took the title of Caledonian Brewery Innovative Business of the Year and nearby Kirriemuir bar The Airlie Arms was rewarded with the Tennent's Quality Award.

Speedwell, Old Anchor and The Royal Arch publican brothers Jeff and Jonathan Stewart from Dundee received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Sunday Mail Pub of the Year award also went to Broughty Ferry pub The Anchor and a delighted Jeff Stewart and his team collected their unique mirror prize.

Balquhidder business Mhor 84 celebrated winning Critic's Choice Gastro Pub of the Year and David Taylor and Jemma Anderson of The Wheel Inn in Scone received the Diageo Award for Social Responsibility and Community.

Lochgilphead venue Lord Of The Isles also barked with joy at receiving DRAM Dog Friendly Bar of the Year.

Molson Coors Craft Beer Bar of the Year went to Edinburgh bar Ox 184 and Isle of Arran Distillers awarded Island Bar of the Year to MacGochans of Mull.

Edinburgh cocktail bar Badger & Co was also highly commended in the Disaronno Cocktail Bar of the Year Category.


Four industry personalities were also inducted into the Scottish Licensed Trade HALL OF FAME - David Brown, Kathleen Hood, Alasdair Moore and Caroline Wright.

Said Awards organiser, Susan Young, “It was our 21st anniversary and we certainly managed to celebrate. The winners were voted for by customers and people in the trade, and each and every one deserved their accolades. Congratulations to them all.”



- Posted from Scotland with love - theshowbizlion.com

TK MAXX OPENS EDINBURGH STORE DURING FRINGE

The Fringe is in full swing and one retailer is taking full advantage of the fact by opening up a new store in Scotland's capital.
Performers, as well as punters, always need new clothes and accessories - and the new TK Maxx in Edinburgh is sure to cater for Showbiz types as well as those who are a little less extrovert.
The brand new TK Maxx store is coming to the capital's St Andrew Square on August 18 creating 120 new jobs at the same time.
The new store will be situated on South St David Street and span 1,979 sq metres.
The showbizlion is a big fan of TK's as we like to call it and we recently enjoyed some amazing goodies at a pop up store ahead of the new store launch.
The new central location store  offers big labels and designer gems at up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount to the price on the high street, every single day. for us fashionista types there's a huge selection of fashion, jewellery and accessories for women, men and kids as well as homeware. With several deliveries arriving every week bringing thousands of new items to store, there will always be something new and exciting to discover which means we will always have something to wear to our parties.
TK Maxx told theshowbizlion.com: “We’re very excited to be opening our fifth store in Edinburgh, this time bringing TK Maxx into the centre of the city. TK Maxx is a store that offers a huge choice of great value style for the wardrobe and home interiors all under one roof and all at up to 60% less. With new items arriving each week, it creates the treasure hunt experience our customers love and means they will always find something new, individual and special at a great price.”
If you are interested in applying for a position at the brand new TK Maxx store, please visit
www.tjxeurope.com/careers for further information.


- The Showbizlion.com - With love from Scotland

SUSAN BOYLE FINISHES NEW ALBUM AND TALKS FESTIVALS

SUSAN Boyle claims she can relax with some visits to Scotland's festivals after finishing off her brand new album.
The singer was chilling with friends at McEwans Party At The Palace in Linlithgow when she bumped into The Showbiz Lion.
She said: "I've just completed an album which is due out in November and it's a bit of a surprise. I'm having a whale of a time here. I'm hoping to see the Proclaimers later on. I met them a few years ago and they are nice lads."
She added: "I'm also planning to go to the Fringe to catch a couple more shows there."
Susan normally releases an album to tie in with US Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays and after taking a break last year from the scene fans can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve.



- From the showbizlion.com with love from Scotland

MARC ALMOND SLAMS HATERS AFTER BOWIE GIG

MARC Almond has hit back at the haters who claim he 'murdered Bowie' after he performed two of the legend's songs at the BBC Proms.
The Soft Cell singer who bumped into theshowbizlion.com at Rewind festival in Perthshire's  Scone  Palace just last weekend, defended himself after some claimed he sang out of tune and forgot his words on David Bowie's Starman and Life On Mars.
He said: "Well if you're given two untouchable iconic classics to sing with totally new arrangements, you have to expect the flak. Stumbling over one word due to sound and nerves in LOM becomes forgetting all the words and singing COMPLETELY out of tune! Love Twitter."
He added: "I'd rather listen to Musical experts than some musically ignorant obsessed Bowie Fan and people who just have a problem with me period."
"Apparently I'm not a true Bowie fan and have no respect for him or his songs and let down the whole event. Oh please Give me strength.
That's why Tony Visconti Bowies friend and Producer asks me to sing at his Bowie shows."
The unusual versions of the songs he sang were arranged by Scottish Album of The Year winner Anna Meredith.

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

BEN HAENOW PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE SCOTS FUNDRAISER

SINGER Ben Haenow paid tribute to the late Donna Mortimer Ballantyne after he appeared at a fundraiser in her honour.
The former X Factor winner was a special guest at the Thistle Hotel and helped raise a whopping £164,000 to help the Kilbryde Hospice in memory of the late Bothwell born businesswoman, who died aged 39 after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
Donna raised funds to help the build of Kilbride hospice before her death, and her family, who own Lynnet Leisure, parent company of well-known Glasgow restaurants and clubs 29, Rogano and One Up, continue to work in her name.
Ben, who performed for VIPs on the night including new Rangers manager Mark Warburton and some of Celtic's finest, said of Donna: "This lady did such a lot of amazing things for charity and helped with charities in the West of Scotland and she helped to raise money to build Kilbryde hospice and continues to do lots even after she sadly passed away.


He added: "My granddad passed away not too long ago and was in a hospice. It does happen and the importance of this thing is that it does touch somebody at some point in their lives. At some time we know someone who has been affected from it and it's a great thing to help with it and raise money for any kind of charity.
"I've visited a few hospices, some purely for children which is quite a tough thing to see but to see the quality these hospices give people towards the end of their lives and the support they for to everyone around is a great thing and a really important network."
Ben is due to appear at Hamilton racecourse this Thursday and admitted he loves visiting Scotland
He said: "I've been in Glasgow many a times before and the crowds are cool. We were here for the X Factor tour for two days and we went out on one of the nights. But I can't give too much away about it. We're doing a lot of things just now and have a lot of gigs set up for the summer. I'm in talks about recording a new EP too."



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

TEN MUSIC TALENTS COMPETE FOR THE TITLE AT SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CHVRCHES, Emma Pollock, Lau, Young Fathers and FFS are just some of the artists who have made the top ten for Scottish Album of The Year (SAY)
The shortlist for Scotland's big music award was revealed last night at The BBC Quay Sessions during an exclusive live broadcast and the winner will be announced on Wednesday June 29 at a Paisley Town Hall ceremony to tie in with the Paisley bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
Previous SAY nominees Fatherson performed alongside last year's award winner Kathryn Joseph before this year’s shortlisted albums were announced live on air by host Vic Galloway. Amongst the shortlist this year are a number international collaborations: Ghanaian and South African performers and producers, LA based glam/art rock icons Sparks (who teamed up with Franz Ferdinand) and a project with 70s disco ensemble Sister Sledge.
Producer Graeme Clark also known as The Revenge, and ex Beta Band member Steve Mason all also made it onto the shortlist while FFS were the winner of the public vote.
The overall winner will pick up a £20,000 first prize while nine shortlisted titles will receive £1,000 each.
Run by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), previous SAY Award winners are Kathryn Joseph (2015), Young Fathers (2014), RM Hubbert (2013) and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat (2012).

The full SAY Award 2016 shortlist:

ANNA MEREDITH - VARMINTS

AUNTIE FLO - THEORY OF FLO

C. DUNCAN - ARCHITECT

EMMA POLLOCK - IN SEARCH OF HARPERFIELD

FFS - FFS

LAU - THE BELL THAT NEVER RANG

STEVE MASON - MEET THE HUMANS
THE REVENGE

YOUNG FATHERS - WHITE MEN ARE BLACK MEN TOO

CHVRCHES - EVERY OPEN EYE















- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

COLDPLAY BRING LOVE TO HAMPDEN

Maria Callas kicked off Coldplay's biggest gig in Scotland yet and we knew were in for a night of classics.
Classic partying.
For a band that is often misrepresented as being boring and bland, Chris showed his sold out crowd at Glasgow's Hampden Stadium that he has more charisma in his little pinkie than his detractors.
A Head Full of Dreams, the title track of the tour came before anthemic Yellow which got the crowd singing along.



Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall gave them more of the same and Paradise proved to be a full on party track which even had Chris dancing along the runway.
A touching tribute to Muhammud Ali came with a moving video of the Greatest man himself and later in the set Chris paid tribute to David Bowie with his own rendition of Heroes.


The crowd was warmed up and then we all exploded with joy along with the confetti cannons as we went into true party mode on the A stage with a run of the biggies Clocks, Hymn For The Weekend, Viva La Vida and Adventure For A Lifetime.


Giant bouncing balls were thrown about the stadium as everyone jumped up and down with glee like excited teenagers at their first school dance.
And then Chris and co disappeared off the stage only to reappear on an even smaller stage towards the back of the stadium giving seated guests an even better view.


He sang Amazing Grace before giving one lucky Scots fan a song she requested on Instagram.
The canons boomed, the confetti fell, the pyros blazed, the lasers blasted and Hampden was filled with love.
A sea of neon armbands waved for Up and Up, bathing the stadium in a rainbow and it was the perfect end to a brilliant day.



- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com