Latest news with #TheO2
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
London Grammar tell LIDO Festival fans they hope ‘music can bring us together'
London Grammar tell LIDO Festival fans they hope 'music can bring us together' The indie pop group captivated crowds at the show in London's Victoria Park on a balmy Sunday night London Grammar are playing The O2 (Image: TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images ) London Grammar's lead singer said she hoped "music can bring us together" amid the "sad" state of the world, as the band headlined LIDO Festival. The indie pop group captivated crowds at the show in London's Victoria Park on a balmy Sunday night. The band, made up of lead singer Hannah Reid, guitarist Dan Rothman, and keyboardist Dominic "Dot" Major released their latest album, The Greatest Love, in September last year. Against a backdrop of raging conflicts around the world, Reid, 35, said the timing of the performance was "poignant" for her. Addressing the festival crowd, she added: "I'm struggling to be honest, the world's not a very nice place at the moment, and it's really, really, sad. "Sometimes I think being a musician and a singer doing these shows can feel a little bit self-indulgent, I guess, or that we're here having a good time when so many people in the world are suffering. Article continues below "And I swore to myself that I would never, ever give a speech like this on stage. "Day one, at the start of our career, I was like: 'I'm never going to be that person.' Because I've seen many men, many male musicians, no offence guys, give really long speeches that go on and on about the world. "So I'm going to stop now because I'm not going to do that. But thank you so much for being here with us tonight. I wish the music can bring us together, just for a moment." Wearing a black top and black skirt, Reid said the band were "three friends who have always been best friends since day one". Her haunting vocals, which could equally feature on the soundtrack of a David Lynch film as headline act of a festival in Tower Hamlets, were in evidence as the band launched into their first song Hey Now. Reid, who has spoken in the past of her "terrible stage fright" and building "a career off vulnerability", cut a confident presence on stage despite having to restart her third song, Kind of Man, after forgetting the lyrics. Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour last month, Reid said the "process of becoming a mum" had given her the perspective to enjoy shows in a way that she previously struggled with when the band launched into the public eye over a decade ago. Reid told the crowds on Sunday that the band's other musicians had changed positions on stage for the first time. She said: "We've been performing together for 15 years. This is the first time ever, and I wasn't sent the memo, that the boys have switched around on either side of me." A hit with the audience was the band's version of Nightcall – a cover of a Kavinsky song which became widely known after it was featured in the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony. Reid's soaring vocals at the end of Wasting My Young Years also prompted cheers and applause from the crowd. London Grammar fan Zoey Axton, 27, said she enjoyed the band's "moody and electric set". Ms Axton, who is from San Francisco, USA, added: "It was the perfect vibe for a Sunday evening." The band formed after Reid and guitarist Rothman met while they were students at the University of Nottingham in 2009. Sunday's wider offering at Victoria Park had a contingent of dance artists in line with other LIDO festivals, headlined by UK bastions Charli XCX and Jamie xx, featuring Roísín Murphy and Neil Frances. Article continues below Reid previously said the festival would showcase "women being really strong and making themselves vulnerable at the same time". Other performers compiled by London Grammar for the festival included soul singer Celeste, Pip Millett, Wasia Project, and Maverick Sabre. Named after Victoria Park's historic Lido Field, the music series was announced last autumn.
Entrepreneur
13-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: OUNO
Industry: Transport OUNO was born out of a frustration with the lack of premium, technology-driven ground transport solutions. Founder Bobby Drewett saw an opportunity to create a service that wasn't just another ride-hailing app, but a truly executive-level experience – one that combined the luxury of chauffeur services with the ease of on-demand booking. The challenge? Building a scalable, tech-led model that could compete in a fast-moving industry. OUNO didn't just build an app; they constructed an entire ecosystem to connect clients with professional chauffeurs. The biggest hurdle was ensuring both the consumer and driver platforms worked flawlessly, alongside a dispatch system connecting all three platforms. While competitors focused on volume, OUNO prioritised service, ensuring that every ride met the expectations of high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients, and event partners. OUNO has secured major partnerships with global brands like The O2 arena, Soho House, Prada and Matchroom Boxing. Their technology-driven approach has allowed them to scale rapidly, bringing in high-profile clients while maintaining operational efficiency. They've also been at the forefront of innovation, introducing solutions like their venue-based booking kiosks, which are redefining how ground transport integrates with hospitality and entertainment venues. OUNO represents the next evolution of executive transport—one that aligns with the needs of modern businesses and consumers. Their low-commission structure keeps chauffeurs incentivised, while their corporate partnerships continue to expand, proving that premium service and smart tech can drive sustainable, high-growth success. OUNO is proving that a startup with the right vision and execution can redefine an industry.
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kylie UK Tour: Pop icon joins the '21 Club' after sold out performances in London
Kylie's latest sell out shows have seen her join the same club as Prince and Michael Bublé Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kylie Minogue's most recent tour has seen the singer join an exclusive club. 'The 21 Club' celebrates those performances who have had a run of 21 sold-out concerts at London's The O2. - She becomes the first female artist to achieve the accomplishment - but who does she join? With Kylie Minogue's recent several-night stand at London's The O2 now completed, there's an extra level of celebration for the former Neighbours actor as she continues her tour across Europe. Tickets are still available for Kylie Minogue's final London O2 Arena show tonight | Getty Images That's because by virtue of her four sell-out performances at the London venue, the singer has now joined the ranks of Prince and Drake as a member of 'The 21 Club' – and in doing so, became the first female artist to join the exclusive ranks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The '21 Club' is an exclusive distinction awarded by London's O2 Arena to artists who have performed 21 or more sold-out shows at the venue. Established in 2007 to honour Prince's record-breaking run of 21 sold-out concerts, it signifies a major achievement in live performance. Not only do they get the honour of being part of the club, but Inductees also receive a bespoke 'key to the venue,' according to Rolling Stone Australia. Taking to social media to celebrate the inclusion, the singer wrote: 'The O2 21 Club. London… you know how much I love you already but THISSSS was special. To be the first female headliner to make the club and join PRINCE!!! Wowwwwwww. THANK YOU.' Who else is part of 'The 21 Club'? The club was started after Prince's sell-out performances in London, and count only nine members, including Kylie. | Getty Images As of writing, only nine performers have managed to accomplish the feat: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prince (inaugural member) Michael Bublé Take That One Direction Drake Young Voices Micky Flanagan Michael McIntyre Michael Jackson would have also joined by virtue of the This Is It residency and would have therefore become the second member of the club, however the shows were cancelled after his death. Do you have an event you'd like to share with us? You can now promote your What's On stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kylie UK Tour: Pop icon joins the '21 Club' after sold out performances in London
Kylie's latest sell out shows have seen her join the same club as Prince and Michael Bublé Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kylie Minogue's most recent tour has seen the singer join an exclusive club. 'The 21 Club' celebrates those performances who have had a run of 21 sold-out concerts at London's The O2. - She becomes the first female artist to achieve the accomplishment - but who does she join? With Kylie Minogue's recent several-night stand at London's The O2 now completed, there's an extra level of celebration for the former Neighbours actor as she continues her tour across Europe. Tickets are still available for Kylie Minogue's final London O2 Arena show tonight | Getty Images That's because by virtue of her four sell-out performances at the London venue, the singer has now joined the ranks of Prince and Drake as a member of 'The 21 Club' – and in doing so, became the first female artist to join the exclusive ranks. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The '21 Club' is an exclusive distinction awarded by London's O2 Arena to artists who have performed 21 or more sold-out shows at the venue. Established in 2007 to honour Prince's record-breaking run of 21 sold-out concerts, it signifies a major achievement in live performance. Not only do they get the honour of being part of the club, but Inductees also receive a bespoke 'key to the venue,' according to Rolling Stone Australia. Taking to social media to celebrate the inclusion, the singer wrote: 'The O2 21 Club. London… you know how much I love you already but THISSSS was special. To be the first female headliner to make the club and join PRINCE!!! Wowwwwwww. THANK YOU.' Who else is part of 'The 21 Club'? The club was started after Prince's sell-out performances in London, and count only nine members, including Kylie. | Getty Images As of writing, only nine performers have managed to accomplish the feat: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prince (inaugural member) Michael Bublé Take That One Direction Drake Young Voices Micky Flanagan Michael McIntyre Michael Jackson would have also joined by virtue of the This Is It residency and would have therefore become the second member of the club, however the shows were cancelled after his death.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Major US star slammed as he plays to unimpressed UK arena and fans demand their money back
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR US star has been slammed by fans who have likened his concert to a 'child's talent show'. The rapper played to an unimpressed UK arena leaving fans demanding their money back. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 A major US star has been slammed by fans who likened his concert to a 'child's talent show' Credit: Tiktok/@laureng2044 Global superstar Nelly kicked off the European leg of his Where The Party At tour last month. He is making his way to through the UK shows this week. The 50-year-old was joined by other big names such as US singer Eve and rapper Fabolous. He just performed at Birmingham's Utilita Arena and at The O2 in London. Some members of the crowd took to social media to share videos of the concert, branding it 'awful' and the 'worst' they had ever been to. 'Remind me never to see a concert that's 2-4-1 on tickets- it was watching a child's talent show,' one user said. 'Was awful wasn't it,' replied another. A third penned: 'Is it possible to get a refund ? worst concert I've been to' 'I'm a Nelly fan but he was yelling and his hype men drowned him out entirely,' chimed a fourth. Nelly is still set to play in Manchester and Glasgow before finishing his euro stint in Dublin. Ashanti gives birth to first child with husband Nelly just two weeks after rapper was arrested for drug possession He is a Grammy Award winner and actor best known for Billboard No. 1 hits such as Hot in Herre and Dilemma. His real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. The Texas born star spent much of his childhood and adulthood estranged from his father after his parents divorced when he was seven. He rose to fame in the early 2000s after his debut album Country Grammar sold over 8.4 million copies in the US. He dominated the hip-hop industry for years and was ranked as the number three Top Artist of the Decade (2000s) Billboard in December 2009. 3 The rapper rose to fame in the early 2000s Credit: Getty
