The Week in Light & Sound
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In response, The Palestine Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel issued a statement urging the singer "to reconsider". The debate about artists performing in Israel is still very politicised. Roger Waters, Lauryn Hill and Elvis Costello have boycotted Israel in recent years. But there are also plenty of artists who have played Tel Aviv, including Justin Bieber, Radiohead, Elton John, Guns N' Roses and Lady Gaga.
Radiohead went ahead with their performance there in 2017. Frontman Thom Yorke argued that "playing in a country isn’t the same as endorsing its government. We don’t endorse Netanyahu any more than Trump, but we still play in America. Music, art and academia is about crossing borders, not building them; about open minds not closed ones, about shared humanity, dialogue and freedom of expression.”
Storm Warning - At least 14 Backstreet Boys fans were injured after a metal structure at an outdoor concert venue collapsed in a storm in the US state of Oklahoma. Staff were evacuating fans when rain and winds of 70-80mph (113-128 km/h) knocked over the concert entrance trusses, the venue said in a statement. The venue hosting the concert, WinStar World Casino and Resort, said in a statement that it had asked its patrons to seek shelter from the storm after lightning was spotted within four miles of the site.
Live Forever - Liam Gallagher was joined on stage by Richard Ashcroft to honour the victims of last year's Manchester bombing at the city's Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Saturday. The Verve frontman joined Gallagher Jr on guitar and vocals at the end of the night for a poignant rendition of the Oasis classic Live Forever. An image of a worker bee - the symbol of the city - and the number 22 appeared on the screen to remember those who lost their lives after an Ariana Grande gig in 2017.
Redevelopment - Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales, is to undergo a £3m redevelopment. Planning permission has been granted by Conwy Council for the redevelopment, which will see a new dance studio and conference centre added to the existing 1,500-seat theatre, 1,500-capacity arena and conference rooms. The redevelopment will also see improvements made to the venue’s foyer, and a new entrance will be created. Conwy Council will match the £1.5m provided by the European Union and Welsh Government.
After Hours - An after-hours musical theatre cabaret night is being launched in the West End. A line-up of performers including Sam Attwater, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Rob Houchen will take to the stage for the opening event next month, hosted by Christopher Biggins. The new weekly cabaret night, The Show Goes On, will take place at live music bar Studio 88, near Leicester Square. Showcasing new work from emerging writers as well as musical theatre classics, backed by a six-piece band. Performances will start at 10pm and go on until 1am.
They are being launched by licensing house Theatrical Rights Worldwide, in association Studio 88 and charity the MAD Trust. TRW vice president Drew Baker says: “For so long the West End has been calling out for a regular after-hours musical theatre night. These cabaret nights take us back to the good old days when performers would always dash to a post-performance cabaret to perform until the early hours.”
(Jim Evans)
21 August 2018
