Rio Beach Party - Madonna put on a free concert in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night with throngs of fans flocking to see the pop idol on Brazil's Copacabana beach. "Rio, here we are in the most beautiful place in the world," she declared, as the performance got under way. The show was the final stop on the 65-year-old's Celebration Tour, celebrating her 40 years in music.
More than 1.6m fans were estimated to have attended the show. Crowds of fans were seen dancing along to Madonna's songs played from speakers on the stage, hours before the American superstar arrived. In what many have called a "historic" show, Madonna impressed the audience with multiple set and costume changes and light displays. The signer performed some of her greatest hits, including Nothing Really Matters, Like a Prayer and Vogue, and was joined on stage at one point by Brazilian singer Anitta. There were giant screens located along the beach, to ensure the largely Brazilian crowd was able to see the event unfold. Some watched from apartments or hotels, others from boats.
Eurovision - Security is being tightened for the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden's third city Malmo, with large demonstrations planned to coincide with the event and the country already on high alert. Police and organisers say they're well-prepared and hoping for a "joyful" event.
The annual celebration of pop and showbiz is this year shrouded by complaints from some quarters over Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza. Sweden was already facing heightened security challenges, and Malmo is expecting one of the country's biggest ever policing efforts.
As many as 100,000 visitors are set to descend on this city on Sweden's south-west coast for the world's largest live music contest. Colourful Eurovision banners decorate many of the city's streets, and it's the third time that Malmo is playing host, after Swedish artist Loreen won last year's competition in Liverpool, with her hit song Tattoo.
Despite the tension offstage, Eurovision will always remain Eurovision, with a raft of events including a special ABBA exhibition celebrating 50 years since the Swedish quartet stole the show with Waterloo. "I really hope it's going to be a fantastic, joyful week here in Malmo," said Ebba Adielsson of Swedish TV. "Because there's so much love and passion for the Eurovision Song Contest."
Farewell - Guitarist Duane Eddy - hailed by many as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll - has died aged 86. The Grammy-winning artist had a run of instrumental hits in the 1950s and 60s. He reached the charts again in 1986 with a remake of his song Peter Gunn. He was called the King of Twang for his distinctive style. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. "Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature 'Twang' sound," Eddy's representative was quoted as saying by Variety's website.
Last Train - Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist Richard Tandy has died at the age of 76. The news was shared by the group’s founder Jeff Lynne, who described Tandy as a “remarkable musician”. Tandy was credited with helping to shape the sound of the band known for hits including Mr Blue Sky and Last Train to London. Lynne wrote on social media: "It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy. He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together.”
(Jim Evans)
7 May 2024
