Iranian rock pioneer Kourosh Yaghmaei announces retirement from music
Kourosh Yaghmaei, the legendary Iranian singer, composer and guitarist widely regarded as the father of Iranian rock, has announced his retirement from music at the age of 79.
Music
Musicians must embrace ‘unstoppable force’ of AI, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart urges
Producer says creatives need to own their intellectual property so they can license it to generative AI platformsThe Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart has said artificial intelligence is an “unstoppable force”, and musicians and other artists should b…
Eurovision in crisis? Israel’s inclusion causes rift – The Latest
Several countries are boycotting Eurovision after Israel was cleared to compete in the 2026 song contest despite calls for it to be excluded over the war in Gaza. Lucy Hough speaks to our European culture editor, Philip Oltermann – Watch on YouTube Con…
Austria to go ahead with Eurovision despite financial impact of boycott
Host broadcaster says show will not suffer after four countries withdraw from 2026 contest over Israel and GazaAustria has said it will continue with plans to host next year’s Eurovision, in spite of its budget being hit by four countries boycotting th…
Eurovision has faced political boycotts before – how does the latest compare?
Decision by four countries to pull out over Israel’s inclusion is significant for the contest but crisis may not be existentialThe decision by four European broadcasters to boycott next year’s Eurovision over Israel’s inclusion is undoubtedly a watersh…
‘A little less cool’: Spotify’s listening age feature stirs delight and dismay
Some users jump generations in expanded Wrapped review while Taylor Swift tops UK streams for third yearIt has given some in middle age dubious hope that they have their finger on the cultural pulse. Meanwhile, some younger users have been told their l…
Four countries to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Israel cleared to compete
Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands pull out after decision not to hold vote on Israel’s participationIreland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands will boycott next year’s Eurovision after Israel was given the all-clear to compete in the 2026 …
Pop, smut and Swift: what Spotify Wrapped 2025 reveals about Australian tastes
Lack of local content is notable this year in the music platform’s analysis of users’ personal music, podcast and audiobook choicesGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailIt may be Fred Again, Donna Summer or Barkaa. Your musical “listening age” cou…
Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84
Prolific musician was known for work on songs like Green Onions and Otis Redding’s (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the BaySteve Cropper, the legendary guitarist whose work as an instrumentalist, producer and songwriter at Stax Records left an indelible impres…
Sabrina Carpenter slams ‘evil and disgusting’ ICE video that uses her song
Pop star calls out White House’s ‘inhumane agenda’ after post that soundtracks immigration raids to her song JunoSabrina Carpenter has spoken out against Donald Trump’s White House for using her song Juno to soundtrack videos of immigration raids.In re…