LIONEL RICHIE LAUNCHES 2025 UK TOUR WITH SOLD OUT SHOW IN BELFAST

Photo: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

Music Icon Delivers Timeless Hits and High-Energy Performance on Opening Night of “Say Hello to the Hits” Tour

Global music legend Lionel Richie kicked off his highly anticipated 2025 UK and European tour with a sold-out performance at SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday. The “Say Hello to the Hits” tour marks Richie’s first major arena tour in the UK and Europe in nearly a decade - and fans were treated to a night of iconic songs, electrifying energy, and unforgettable moments..

A Night to Remember: Lionel Richie in Belfast

From the moment Richie took the stage, the crowd erupted. Backed by a world-class band and dazzling visuals, Richie opened with classics like Hello and powered through a setlist that included Dancing on the Ceiling, Endless Love, Easy, and All Night Long.

Fans sang every word, danced in the aisles, and experienced firsthand why Lionel Richie live in concert remains a must-see musical event.

“It’s so great to be back in the UK,” Richie told the crowd. “It reminded me why I love performing here so much. Starting the tour like this is all I could have asked for. If Belfast is anything to go by, I can’t wait to visit all the other great cities on this tour. We’re in for a great time!”

Say Hello to the Hits: 2025 Tour Dates & Cities

Following the Belfast opener, Lionel Richie’s UK tour dates include stops in Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Birmingham and Manchester.

Click here for tour dates.

From there, the European leg begins, with a total of 20 shows across the continent, wrapping up with a grand finale at Wizink Centre, Madrid on August 2nd.

Why Fans Shouldn’t Miss the Lionel Richie 2025 Tour

This tour is more than just a concert - it’s a celebration of Richie’s legendary career. With his signature charm, soulful vocals, and genuine connection with fans, Lionel Richie continues to prove why he’s one of the greatest live performers of all time.

Whether you’ve loved him since the Commodores or are discovering him for the first time, Lionel Richie’s 2025 tour promises music, emotion, nostalgia, and joy.

Experience the Magic Live

Want to be part of the celebration? Tickets for remaining dates are selling fast. Click here to book your seats for a night filled with timeless music and unforgettable memories.

POLAR MUSIC PRIZE 2025 HONOURS HERBIE HANCOCK

The Polar Music Prize 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious international music awards, celebrated three legendary artists this year: rock icons Queen, acclaimed soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan, and jazz innovator Herbie Hancock. Each recipient was personally honoured by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during a spectacular ceremony at The Grand Hotel in Stockholm.

Honouring Musical Legends with the Polar Music Prize

The Polar Music Prize, often dubbed the "Nobel Prize of Music", recognizes exceptional achievements across all genres. This year’s laureates reflect the diversity and global impact in shaping culture and connecting humanity.

Herbie Hancock’s Moving Acceptance Speech

Jazz legend Herbie Hancock, known for groundbreaking compositions like Watermelon Man and Chameleon, delivered an emotional acceptance speech:

“What an incredible honour to be with you here tonight, to receive the prestigious Polar Music Prize. I’m deeply humbled. I accept this award not just for myself, but on behalf of all the musicians, and dreamers who dare to believe that creativity and human connection can change the world."

Why the Polar Music Prize Matters

Recognizing outstanding contributions to classical music, jazz, rock, and beyond, the Polar Music Prize shines a global spotlight on innovation, artistry, and cultural legacy in music. The 2025 honourees exemplify the award's mission to honour those who push boundaries and inspire generations.

Star-Studded Live Performances Electrify Stockholm

The 2025 award ceremony featured live music performances from a stellar lineup of internationally renowned artists, including Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper, both multiple GRAMMY® award winners, who collaborated on Herbie Hancock’s classics “Trust Me” and “Watermelon Man”.

A Night Celebrating Excellence in Global Music

The event reaffirmed Sweden’s role as a global hub for cultural celebration and recognition in the music industry.

NEW TICKETS RELEASED FOR LIONEL RICHIE GLASGOW SHOW

Music icon Lionel Richie has just announced that additional tickets are now available for his much-anticipated Glasgow performance at the OVO Hydro on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.

This extra ticket release follows demand as part of his “Say Hello To The Hits” UK tour. Fans across the UK now have another chance to catch Richie live in what promises to be a night of timeless hits, unforgettable moments, and pure musical magic.

A Legendary Performer Returns to Glasgow

With over 125 million albums sold worldwide, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and four GRAMMY Awards, Lionel Richie is a global legend whose music has shaped generations.

The Glasgow concert will feature his most iconic songs, including:

• Hello

• All Night Long

• Dancing on the Ceiling

• Stuck on You

Richie’s energetic live shows combine powerful vocals, storytelling, and audience connection, offering a concert experience that transcends age, genre, and culture.

Special Guest: Brooke Combe

Scottish rising star Brooke Combe has been confirmed as the support act for Richie’s UK tour dates. Known for her soulful voice and modern edge, Brooke will kick off each show with her signature style.

She’ll be joining Richie on stage across the UK and Ireland - Expect an exciting mix of established talent and rising artistry all on one stage.

Lionel Richie Say Hello To The Hits 2025 UK Tour Dates

• Saturday 31 May – SSE Arena, Belfast

• Wednesday 4 June – OVO Hydro, Glasgow

• Friday 6 June – The O2, London

• Sunday 8 June – Utilita Arena, Sheffield

• Monday 9 June – Utilita Arena, Birmingham

• Thursday 12 June – Co-op Live, Manchester

• Friday 13 June – Co-op Live, Manchester

• Sunday 15 June – The O2, London

LIONEL RICHIE ANNOUNCES BROOKE COMBE AS SPECIAL GUEST FOR UK LEG OF SAY HELLO TO THE HITS TOUR

Don't miss your chance to see global music icon Lionel Richie live in concert, with rising star and special guest Brooke Combe opening the show!

Limited tickets are still available—secure yours today!

"A future megastar" – The Guardian
"Scottish indie star-in-waiting already mingling with the greats" – NME
"A stunning slice of soul" – Telegraph
"Megastar in-the-making" – The Line of Best Fit

Lionel Richie, one of the world’s most celebrated musicians, is returning to the UK this summer for his highly anticipated 'Say Hello to the Hits' tour. Kicking off in Belfast on May 31, Richie will perform a series of unforgettable shows across the country. Joining him on this tour is the sensational Brooke Combe, who will be supporting Richie at venues in Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Manchester. Don’t miss your chance to see Brooke Combe live before she becomes one of the biggest names in music!

Brooke Combe’s debut album Dancing At the Edge of the World received widespread acclaim, including a 4-star review from The Daily Mail. Brooke is an artist on the rise, having been named Scottish Breakthrough Artist of the Year and awarded Rolling Stone UK's 'Play Next' Award. With multiple One To Watch accolades from NME, BBC, and Dork, she’s definitely one to watch.

Lionel Richie, known for his unwavering support of young talent, was quick to recognize Brooke’s incredible potential. As soon as he heard her music, he knew he had to bring her on tour to ensure as many people as possible could experience her phenomenal sound. This summer, you’ll get to hear Brooke Combe’s soulful, indie-infused sound as she opens for Richie on his UK tour.

Brooke Combe is thrilled to join Lionel Richie on tour:
"It’s a massive honour to support such a legend. I grew up listening to Lionel Richie, so to be asked to support him on his UK tour is surreal. Watching a musical legend every night and performing in front of his incredible fans is going to be such a special experience."

The 'Say Hello to the Hits' tour will showcase Lionel Richie’s biggest hits, from timeless pop ballads to dance-worthy anthems. Richie’s legendary voice and stage presence will make this a show you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to his music, his performance promises to be a musical celebration that will leave you singing along all night long.

Don't wait – get your tickets now for Lionel Richie’s 'Say Hello to the Hits' 2025 tour and witness an unforgettable evening of iconic music and rising talent!

Tour Dates for Lionel Richie’s 'Say Hello to the Hits' 2025 Tour plus special guest Brooke Combe:

• Saturday, May 31 – SSE Arena, Belfast

• Sunday, June 1 – 3Arena, Dublin

• Wednesday, June 4 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow

• Friday, June 6 – The O2, London

• Sunday, June 8 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield

• Monday, June 9 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham

• Thursday, June 12 – Co-op Live, Manchester

• Friday, June 13 – Co-op Live, Manchester

• Sunday, June 15 – The O2, London

Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable musical experience featuring Lionel Richie and special guest Brooke Combe!

ELTON JOHN & BRANDI CARLILE PRODUCE SPECIAL NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

Photo: Ben Gibson

Last night (Wednesday 26th March), lucky ticketholders at An Evening With Elton John and Brandi Carlile were treated to a spectacular show in which host Dan Levy welcomed Elton & Brandi to the stage to discuss and perform tracks from their forthcoming album Who Believes In Angels?. The highly anticipated and critically acclaimed album is due to be released on 4th April on Island EMI. The primetime concert, filmed for ITV and CBS, featured the debut live performance of a number of songs from the new album, captivating stories about the pair’s careers and friendship, and special renditions of timeless classics from each star’s catalogues.

DURING THE SHOW

Elton and Brandi performed tracks from their forthcoming collaborative album Who Believes In Angels?, including the live debuts of ‘Swing For The Fences’, ‘Little Richard’s Bible’ and ‘You Before Me’. They also treated the audience to spellbinding covers of Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’ and ‘He’ll Have To Go’ by Jim Reeves, before duetting on classic tracks including ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘The Joke’, ‘The Story’ and ‘Bennie And The Jets’, finishing with a rousing rendition of ‘I’m Still Standing’.

Photo: Ben Gibson

SPECIAL GUESTS JOINED THEM ON STAGE

The pair were accompanied by a sensational live band featuring Chad Smith (drums - Red Hot Chili Pepper), Andrew Watt (producer of Who Believes In Angels?, and musical director and guitar), The Hanseroth Twins (guitar and bass), Josh Klinghoffer (keyboard - Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck), Andrew Ross (saxophone) and Graeme Flowers (trumpet).

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Elton and Brandi also pulled back the curtain on their 20-year friendship in a revealing conversation hosted by their close friend, award-winning actor, writer and director Dan Levy. They touched upon how they first met, the recording process of the new album and what being on stage at the Palladium meant to them. Famous faces also paid tribute through video messages, as Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith shared their memories of the pair.

Photo: Ben Gibson

THE SET LIST

The Elton John and Brandi Carlile setlist was:

‘Who Believes In Angels?’

‘Swing For The Fences’ (Live debut)

‘Little Richard’s Bible’ (Live debut)

‘The Joke’ (Brandi Carlile)

‘You Without Me’ (Live debut)

‘I Need You to Turn To’

‘Tiny Dancer’

‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’

‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues’

‘Crazy’ (Patsy Cline cover)

‘He’ll Have to Go ‘(Jim Reeves cover)

‘Your Song’

‘The Story’ (Brandi Carlile)

‘Bennie and the Jets’

‘I’m Still Standing’

SISTERS: ANNIE LENNOX & FRIENDS UNITE FOR POWERFUL CONCERT AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Photo credit: Vianney Le Caer

On Thursday 6th March, in the lead up to International Women’s Day, the inaugural SISTERS: Annie Lennox and Friends concert, a night of music, storytelling, and solidarity took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The concert was held for the very first time to fundraise and raise awareness for The Circle, the global feminist organisation founded 17 years ago by Annie Lennox and other leading women supporting vulnerable women and girls. With the reversal and erosion of rights for women and girls across the globe and less than 1% of global development funding going to women’s rights organisations, it’s a critical time to support gender equality around the world.

Hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Clara Amfo, Annie was joined on the night by a line-up of artists, musicians and poets including Beverley Knight, Celeste, Hozier, Lola Lennox, Nadine Shah, Paloma Faith, Rakaya Fetuga, Ríoghnach Connolly, and photographer and activist Misan Harriman, who was a special guest speaker.

The evening began with a stunning performance from BBC Folk Singer of the Year Ríoghnach Connolly, a three-song medley of ‘Land Of My Other’, ‘Carry Your Kin’ and ‘Too May Have Gone’, showcasing her beautifully haunting voice.

A poetry reading from Rakaya Fetuga, whose storytelling weaves themes of faith, identity, and womanhood, preceded the next musical performance from BRIT-award winning and Academy Award-nominated Celeste, who began by performing two unreleased tracks, ‘Women of Faces’ and ‘Time Will Tell’ and left the audience captivated with her haunting single ‘Strange’.

A raw and powerful two-song set (‘Topless Mother’ and Nirvana cover ‘All Apologies’) from the Mercury Prize shortlisted Nadine Shah followed, before moving into an unannounced appearance from the multi-award winning actress and musician Beverley Knight, who filled the venue with soulful energy, performing hit tracks ‘Shoulda Woulda Coulda’, ‘Sisters Sisters’ and ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’ .

A moving address from photographer, activist and male feminist Misan Harriman highlighted the shocking statistic that 1 in 3 women globally are affected by violence in their lifetime. It was a powerful moment of solidarity that brought the whole audience together as he talked about the work of The Circle to support change and build a better future for women and girls.

“It was truly amazing to bring women and allies together, to find inspiration and community in each other, as well as raising much needed funds to support our outstanding female led organisations around the world.”

— Annie Lennox

A one-hour headline performance from Annie Lennox herself followed, performing a number of her classic hits ‘Broken Glass’, ‘Little Bird’, ‘Sweet Dreams’ and many more to an enthusiastic audience that were on their feet more often than not. Annie welcomed some additional special guests as part of her set; a duet with critically-acclaimed Irish musician Hozier for ‘Take Me To Church’ and ‘I Put A Spell On You’; Annie’s daughter Lola Lennox was invited on stage to perform ‘There Must Be An Angel’; and leading into a passionate encore, Annie returned to the stage alongside British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith and all the evening’s musical guests to perform the iconic ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves’ before ending with Eurythmics hit ‘Sweet Dreams’ to close the evening.

Annie Lennox says on the concert, “It was a deeply moving experience to perform alongside so many phenomenal artists and speakers last night at The Royal Albert Hall, for the inaugural SISTERS event in support of The Circle. Profound gratitude to everyone who was able to join us. It was truly amazing to bring women and allies together, to find inspiration and community in each other, as well as raising much needed funds to support our outstanding female led organisations around the world."

Lola Lennox added, “I’m immensely touched and grateful that my Mum invited me to sing for ‘SISTERS’ at The Royal Albert Hall. I have watched these songs performed live maybe hundreds of times ever since I can remember— so for me to move from the audience to the stage, gives me the opportunity to sing the songs that have permeated through every chapter of my life.

I’m immensely proud of my Mum and the music that she has created, but I’m particularly moved by how she has used her success for good, and has fought for the rights of women and children around the world. I still remember when The Circle was in its infancy, with women gathered in our kitchen to discuss how they could help provide support. They hoped to spread the notion of ‘Global Feminism’ and improve basic human rights for women and children, particularly those in developing countries.

So now, to see so many people gathering in support of The Circle at The Royal Albert Hall— it’s incredibly encouraging and inspiring for me personally. I’m honoured to stand beside my Mum, and sing her beautiful music in support of The Circle. This will be a memory that I will cherish forever.”

The evening was punctuated with calls to action for donations and support for The Circle, with the organisation’s CEO Raakhi Shah joined by Grace Dorong, Founder of organisation Root of Generations in South Sudan, who both spoke about the positive impact of investing in and partnering with grassroots, women led organisations around the world.

Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle commented: “In the run up to International Women’s Day and during Women’s History Month it was incredible to witness such an outpouring of solidarity and support for women and girls facing violence and injustice around the world last night at SISTERS: Annie Lennox & Friends.”

“Strengthening the power of women’s rights organisations through long-term financial support is essential to push forward gender equality and to build a safer, fairer future for all. Thank you to everyone donating vital funds to The Circle to continue our critical work.”

HERBIE HANCOCK ANNOUNCES 3-NIGHT RESIDENCY AT LONDON'S BARBICAN AS PART OF SUMMER JAZZ SERIES

Photo: Danny Clinch

Herbie Hancock returns to the Barbican Hall with a 3-night UK exclusive residency to celebrate his 85th birthday and over 50 years since his first ever London show, at the historic Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park. Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. Throughout his explorations, he has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice. With an illustrious career spanning five decades and 14 Grammy Awards, he continues to amaze audiences across the globe. Herbie’s last performance at the Barbican in 2023 was described as “completely engrossing” by The Guardian.

There are few artists in the music industry who have had more influence on acoustic and electronic jazz and R&B than Herbie Hancock. As the immortal Miles Davis said in his autobiography, “Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him.”

Now in the sixth decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock remains where he has always been: in the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music. Though one can’t track exactly where he will go next, he is sure to leave his inimitable imprint wherever he lands.

This exclusive residency is promoted alongside Marshall Arts and forms part of Serious’ Summer Jazz Series, in which a handpicked collection of global jazz stars will take to the stage at the Barbican and Cadogan Hall across June and July.

PAUL McCARTNEY ROCKS THE BOWERY - THIRD SHOW ADDED

THIRD AND FINAL SHOW ADDED DUE TO OVERWHELMING PUBLIC DEMAND

Paul McCartney has announced details of a third and final show tomorrow, Friday 14 February, at Bowery Ballroom, New York. Doors will be at 5.00PM. On stage at 6.30PM.

Tickets are on sale now at the Bowery Ballroom box office. No Tickets will be sold online. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. One ticket per person.

Please avoid purchasing tickets from third-party vendors. Fake tickets will not be honoured and entry will be denied.

SIGNS OF A FAKE TICKET:

• Tickets for this event are PHYSICAL only. If someone sends you a digital ticket, it is a fake.

• Signs of a fake physical ticket include spelling mistakes, missing a Ticketmaster logo or watermark, or colouring that is not blue and white.

• More than one ticket - individuals were only able to purchase one ticket. Be wary of anyone offering more than one.